Newcastle’s priority in January will be to strengthen the backline. The porous defense has been the primary culprit for the disastrous start to this season, which The Magpies are already almost a third of the way through.
Most reports have Newcastle looking to bring in two center-backs as well as a creative force in the midfield. Though a lot will depend on how we fare in our remaining 8 matches until the window opens.
One area that could be a ticking timebomb is at striker. Callum Wilson is our only reliable source for goals. With Allan Saint-Maximin and Joelinton deployed on the flanks against Brentford, that may be where Eddie Howe sees the pair going forward.
That would leave just Dwight Gayle as cover for Wilson, who has had his share of injuries since joining Newcastle before the start of last season. It remains to be seen if Howe can get Dwight firing away in front of goal.
However, another Wilson injury could be a lurking disaster in a season where Newcastle cannot afford any more missteps. So a goalscorer could be on the agenda during the winter window.
Sport Witness has cited a report from Portugal’s Record that Newcastle are one of a number of clubs who could make a move for Benfica’s Darwin Nunez (shown above). The Uruguayan international has 8 goals in his 15 appearances this term.
The 22-year-old joined Benfica from second division Spanish club Almeria for a club-record £21.8m in 2020. He’s since made 55 appearances with an impressive 22 goals and 14 assists.
The 6’2″ striker’s contract runs until 2025 and he has a mammoth release clause close to £130m. While Benfica don’t want to lose their young star, it could come down to a bidding war with Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Manchester City, and Newcastle all in the mix.
Newcastle, at the moment, don’t have the pulling power of those other clubs. So it will be a challenge to land someone of the caliber of Nunez, or Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic.
Though if Howe can keep Newcastle safe this season, we’ll stand a much better chance of landing some of these world-class players in the summer and beyond.
90 comments so far
Raj of Hailsley
Nov 25, 2021 at 5:19 PM
Comment #81TDSarf,
If you haven’t got James already that seems the most sensible and boring pick, Alonso for the reasons mentioned in The Tinmans post.
ToonDarnSarf
Nov 25, 2021 at 5:25 PM
Comment #82Jail – I’ve got James already so I considered Alonso, Rudiger or Cancelo for premium players. Alonso is the cheapest as he hasn’t been playing. Who else does Chelsea have at left back? Just wondering if Alonso might not play every game?
Raj of Hailsley
Nov 25, 2021 at 5:27 PM
Comment #83This is why FPL isn’t like a walk through video game tutorial, you can make all the six week plans you want but there’s not much you can do about your best players being ruled out for the foreseeable 😕
Wor B
Nov 25, 2021 at 5:29 PM
Comment #84Jail #55
I’m finding FPL is not as predictable as painting by numbers, but you need a certain amount of reliable big hitters to bank a decent score.
I’ve been lucky with the occasional random / infill player returning a big score, which also helps.
As the season progresses, the teams are starting to look very similar.
Mag52
Nov 25, 2021 at 5:30 PM
Comment #85Many happy returns of the day Ed, and happy Thanksgiving. I could just do with a nice roast turkey.
As the Howe revolution gets underway it is looking as if he will get a whole lot more out of Joelinton than we have seen to date, and possibly also out of Fraser.
If he could work his magic on Lewis whose ability is waiting to be unlocked, and get Fernandez back to his best form, we could be looking good come January.
Raj of Hailsley
Nov 25, 2021 at 5:31 PM
Comment #86TDSarf,
They haven’t got anyone else, he would defo be my choice if I had James already.
ToonDarnSarf
Nov 25, 2021 at 5:37 PM
Comment #87Jail – A quick Google and some are talking about Azpi or one of the midfielders playing left wing back too. Doubting whether Alonso can play every game.
albert albert
Nov 25, 2021 at 6:02 PM
Comment #88Happy Birthday Ed
DubaiMicky
Nov 25, 2021 at 6:08 PM
Comment #89Happy Birthday Dr. Ed and have a great Thanksgiving weekend.
Jay b bedlingtoon
Nov 25, 2021 at 11:48 PM
Comment #90Happy birthday Dr Ed, thanks for the blog