The January transfer window is drawing ever closer, and Newcastle United will be looking to add new faces to avoid relegation…
Newcastle United will head into the January transfer window hovering around the relegation zone – and manager Rafael Benitez will hope for a more productive month than the last January transfer window.
Benitez was left frustrated last time as he wasn’t able to bring in any new signings, and given Newcastle’s battle against the drop this term, he will certainly need some new additions.
The uncertainty over the club’s takeover situation is something of a problem, but it’s imperative that Newcastle attack the January transfer window with the intention of boosting their squad, which ultimately still resembles a Championship squad.
With that in mind, here is a five-point plan for Newcastle’s January transfer window…
Back Rafael Benitez
Newcastle boss Benitez has virtually done it all in his career, but he may face one of his biggest challenges yet with this Magpies side. Whilst Newcastle have spent over £40million on new signings since winning promotion, it’s clear that Benitez needs more if he is to prevent immediate relegation back to the Championship. Whether Amanda Staveley’s takeover goes through or not, it’s imperative that Benitez is backed with signings to keep Newcastle in the Premier League.
Land a goalscorer – possibly Danny Ings
One of the key areas Benitez will want to strengthen is in attack, given that Joselu and Dwight Gayle have combined for just six goals so far this season. Landing another striker with some Premier League experience would be ideal, and the Magpies may hope to land Liverpool’s Danny Ings on loan. The striker, who previously hit 11 goals in a Premier League campaign for Burnley, is working his way back from a second serious knee injury and needs playing time. Pacey and potent in front of goal, Benitez should hope that his former club do him a favour and send Ings to St. James’ Park next month.
Sign another left back
Newcastle let one left back go in the summer as Achraf Lazaar joined Benevento, but he wasn’t replaced, and that has come back to bite the Magpies. First choice Paul Dummett suffered an injury on the opening day of the season and hasn’t been seen since, leaving Benitez to use makeshift left backs. Bringing in another natural left back has to be a priority for the Magpies next month, with Manchester United’s Luke Shaw already linked.
Consider another goalkeeper
In truth, Benitez has never really been sold on any of his goalkeeping options. Matz Sels was quickly dropped and farmed out to Anderlecht, whilst he has alternated between Karl Darlow and Rob Elliot in 2017. Both Darlow and Elliot have made their mistakes this term, and landing a proven shot-stopper who can give Benitez a strong base to build on would be ideal. Benitez’s ideal signing may be his former Liverpool and Napoli goalkeeper Pepe Reina, though whether that would be possible is another matter, after Newcastle missed out on another experienced goalkeeper over the summer in Willy Caballero.
Make a decision on Aleksandar Mitrovic
One of the big talking points heading into the transfer window is the future of striker Mitrovic, who hasn’t started a single Premier League game this season. The Serbian target man has made just six substitute appearances in the top flight, and is clearly out of favour under Benitez. A January exit looks to be inevitable, with Benitez potentially eyeing up funds to reinvest in players he may actually use between now and the end of the season.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
