Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez is already making plans for the January transfer window, according to reports.
It was a largely disappointing window for the Magpies in the summer, but it was not entirely unexpected. Benitez was not able to spend big money, with two of his seven signings arriving at St James’ Park on loan and another joining on a free transfer.
And it appears that the underwhelming summer has cost Newcastle at the start of the new season, with just one point coming from their opening four games. Unsurprisingly, Benitez’s men went into the international break inside the relegation zone.
And perhaps sensing how important the next window will be, Benitez is already in talks regarding Newcastle’s January plans, according to the Chronicle, and is prioritising moves for a new striker, midfielder and left-back.
It caught many off guard when it was announced that Achraf Lazaar had been included in Newcastle’s Premier League squad, but it is an indication that Benitez did not manage to sign cover for Paul Dummett in the summer. It would be a big surprise if the January window ended with Lazaar still lingering as the Wales international’s understudy.
Meanwhile, midfield is an area where Newcastle have plenty of options, but perhaps do not have the quality to match the depth. And up front being a concern should shock few given that Joselu has become the club’s main threat after an unspectacular first campaign.
It remains to be seen if Benitez’s early planning pays off, but it does appear that Newcastle may need to get ahead of the game in the window given how they have started the season.
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