Newcastle have slumped into the relegation zone following Saturday’s defeat to Arsenal.
Former Newcastle United defender Philippe Albert has told the Daily Mirror, as quoted by the Evening Chronicle, that his old side need three or four players in the January transfer window if they are to avoid the drop.
Rafa Benitez’s Toon slipped into the relegation zone on Saturday afternoon after losing to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, compounding their abysmal run of form in the Premier League.
Newcastle have now lost eight of their last nine league games, drawing once against West Bromwich Albion and now have just 15 points from 18 games – scoring just 16 goals in that time.
Former Belgium international Albert claimed the Toon would avoid relegation to the Championship but has urged the board to give Benitez the money to spend in January.
“I watch them as much as I can. Things aren’t going well but hopefully they will pick up,” Albert said.
“If they don’t buy three or four new players then they’ll definitely struggle. It needs a huge amount of money for the club to be back competing in the top six.
“The club are too good to go down and I think, in many ways, if they can finish mid-table then that would be a success. But whatever happens they’re a long, long way from where they once were.”
It seems as though Benitez will only be given money to spend if Amanda Staveley’s PCP Capital Partners can finally complete a takeover of Mike Ashley’s side, but it remains to be seen if that will occur before January.
Newcastle next face fellow strugglers West Ham United at the London Stadium, with three points enough to take them out of the relegation zone.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
