Ever since the announcement of the sale of Newcastle United, there’s been a much-needed bit of optimism surrounding the club. Ever since the announcement of the sale of Newcastle United, there’s been a much-needed bit of optimism. They’re now the richest club in world football. Fans can once again feel excited about the January transfer window.
Many rumours have been circulating throughout the media about just who they will sign. Plenty of names have been thrown about in the media, from Kylian Mbappe to James Tarkowski. But, as the window approaches, fans are desperate to know what budget they will have.
Availability of targets will determine Toon Army’s spending in January
According to MailOnline, the budget for the upcoming window will not be the problem they face when attracting players. What will be the issue for Newcastle is the availability of the players they have targetted. Additionally, despite ambitious owners, they are facing a relegation battle. The prospect of joining a team that could potentially be in the Championship next season is not the most attractive.
Furthermore, with the implication that other sides in the league won’t want to do business with them, is also a worry. However, a source told MailOnline it isn’t a concern. They reportedly said: ‘If they’re getting value, they will transact.’
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Howe sees league position as Newcastle’s biggest challenge when the window opens
In his most recent press conference, Eddie Howe was asked about the upcoming window. The new boss didn’t want to make any promises about new arrivals on Tyneside, causing some concern for fans.
He told the press: ‘It’s very difficult to make any promises that we will definitely spend money and sign players,’ said the head coach. ‘You have to attract the players, they have to want to come and they have to be the right players to improve the squad.’
‘That is why January is an incredibly difficult window to recruit players in, especially when your league position is difficult.’
Names of targets are unclear, but the club are looking at characteristics
MailOnline has reported that what the club are looking for is leadership in the fight to avoid the drop. This could suggest that big-money names are not the club’s priority given their current situation.
There have been some names reported with a link to join the Magpies, however. Another MailOnline report covered that Howe wants to bring in Athletico Madrid right-back Kieran Trippier.
Jesse Lingard is another name per reports from the Daily Mirror. The final speculated target is James Tarkowsi from Burnley. His contract runs out at the end of the season with clubs such as West Ham also taking interest according to the Chronicle.
Owners in search of people behind the scenes
Currently, Newcastle’s head of recruitment Steve Nickson. Nickson is also taking on the role of dealing with business inside the club, along with external advisors.
The new owners are looking to bring in a director of football to the club and will hope to bring one in as soon as possible. This will make for easier dealings come January.
At the moment there’s a shortlist of names for who they want to take on the role. Reports are suggesting that the stand-out name on said list is Michael Emenalo, who worked for many years with Chelsea.
Until then, Howe will have to use his own resources at Newcastle. All he and his side can do is pick up points to look more attractive to their transfer targets.
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