There’s no question that this Newcastle United squad is vastly superior to the one that stumbled into 2022.
The arrivals of Kieran Trippier, Bruno Guimaraes, Dan Burn, Matt Targett and Chris Wood have given Eddie Howe a smattering of character, a sprinkling of class and a giant dollop of proven Premier League quality.
But while the first transfer window of their new Saudi Arabian ownership must be considered a success – even if Newcastle did miss out on some of their more ambitious transfer targets – the Magpies are still only an injury or a suspension away from finding themselves right back at square one.
Just minutes after scoring his second winning goal in the space of two Premier League games, Trippier limped out of the 1-0 triumph over Aston Villa with a fractured metatarsal. One that may keep him out for the rest of this season.
Should Wood suffer a similar fate, that could push Joelinton back into his ill-fitting centre-forward role. Howe, if such a situation was to arise, may even be forced to roll a dice on Dwight Gayle.
Hypothetical, yes. But while things are looking up at last, the panicked reaction to Trippier’s injury is proof that, while Howe’s starting XI is much improved, his bench remains light on quality.
Finding a someone capable of emulating Trippier’s diligent defending and superb deliver will be easier said than done. In truth, it’s probably impossible. Unless Emil Krafth enjoys the sort of renaissance not seen since Michael Keaton’s scene-chewing performance in Birdman.
Will Zaidu Sanusi be Newcastle’s first summer signing?
Matt Targett will need to be replaced too, albeit with not quite so much immediacy.
Targett is only on loan from Aston Villa after all. And, if Newcastle cannot agree terms on a permanent deal, they will have no choice but to scour the market for alternative left-backs.
A search that may already be underway.
According to O Jogo, Newcastle sent a scout to watch Porto’s 2-1 Europa League round-of-32 victory over Lazio on Thursday night. And only one player on the Estadio do Dragao pitch has been linked with Newcastle before; Porto’s £17 million-rated left-back Zaidu Sanusi.
Portuguese publication JN reported in January that Sanusi was on Newcastle’s radar.
That is not to say Newcastle didn’t have their sights set on someone else. Sergej Milinkovic-Savic is a midfielder tailor-made for English football. Otavio, Fabio Vieira and Luiz Felipe have also had their admirers in the past.
But Sanusi is the name that leaps off the page. Not just because Newcastle wanted him in January. But because Targett, as things stand, will be heading back to Birmingham in June.
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