After a busy summer with around £120 spent on four additions, Newcastle already have one eye geared towards January. The club will look to strengthen in the winter, though not to the extent of the previous two windows.
Eddie Howe wanted a few more faces after Alexander Isak signed for a club record fee. For a number of reasons, Newcastle’s summer tally was capped at four excellent additions in Isak, Matt Targett, Nick Pope, and Sven Botman.
In their recent mailbag for The Athletic, George Caulkin and Chris Waugh tackled some questions on the next transfer window. They very much expect Newcastle to be active with a wide forward and a midfielder the likely targets.
The names broached will be no surprise as they were heavily linked over the summer. Waugh named Leicester’s James Maddison, Leeds winger Jack Harrison, and Watford’s versatile forward Joao Pedro as some of the top targets.
It didn’t end there as Leverkusen’s Moussa Diaby was cited as a dream signing but one that looks unlikely in January. Shakhtar Donetsk’s Mykhaylo Mudryk has also been scouted extensively but may be in the same category as Leverkusen’s dynamic Frenchman.
In the midfield, Howe reportedly wants a deep-lying playmaker as a long-term replacement for Shelvey. The 30-year-old’s absence this season has forced Guimaraes to drop deep while the Brazilian’s future on Tyneside is as a number 8.
Waugh named Leicester’s Youri Tielemans and Ajax’s Edson Alvarez as being on the wishlist. Though Tielemans may be a bridge too far if his plan is to seek a fortune in wages and see out his contract next summer.
It’s going to be another exciting, and probably frustrating transfer window. The plan is to strengthen with a couple of additions. Though it will cost money as both Caulkin and Waugh expect Newcastle to be frozen out of the domestic loan market once again.
79 comments so far
Vask
Sep 23, 2022 at 10:47 AM
Comment #1Let’s get Halloween out of the shops before we start talking January sales.
IrishRob
Sep 23, 2022 at 10:49 AM
Comment #2And Christmas…..
Vask
Sep 23, 2022 at 10:50 AM
Comment #3I think we have missed Shelvey and not really realised it in the opening of this season. About 4 players have an executable vision for a pass in our 11. I think Shelves is one of them.
Vask
Sep 23, 2022 at 10:51 AM
Comment #4And I do think he would be in our 11 for a majority of the games we have played so far
Nijmegen-toon
Sep 23, 2022 at 10:57 AM
Comment #5Ronway,
Aye it was a bit hurried, it was meant to include about whether we think the owners would react/spend based on our league position or whether there’s a, not rigid structure but structure of sorts in place that wouldn’t really deviate just because we were, say tenth instead of eighth.
Nijmegen-toon
Sep 23, 2022 at 11:00 AM
Comment #6I thought there might be but it does seem that they reacted immediately to Wilsons injury, did Howe not say that even.
Nijmegen-toon
Sep 23, 2022 at 11:03 AM
Comment #7Vask,
Although the injury list is quite bad it’s not that much different to other clubs, however it’s much more noticeable given that it’s our three best players that our out.
Vask
Sep 23, 2022 at 11:09 AM
Comment #8Yeah Nym, it’s not ideal. Saying that and considering that, we haven’t done too badly. A lot of our current ‘plight’ has been decided by hair’s breadth marginations. I understand though it’s hard for some fans to undo 14years and longer of conditioning. Expect the worst and rarely will one be disappointed.
Or one of me fatha-in-law’s favourites:
If you think you can or think you can’t, you’re probably right
Vask
Sep 23, 2022 at 11:14 AM
Comment #9And that’s not having a go at the easy ‘some fans’ target. Even as far back as the Keegan epoch fans have learned that, no matter how well we think we are doing, the rug can still be pulled from under us. It’s beginning to not feel like that now…
I’ve got carpeted floors throughout.
Nijmegen-toon
Sep 23, 2022 at 11:22 AM
Comment #10Vask,
I just hope it’s not going to be a regular theme until we do start winning things, it’s worse on twitter mind and a couple of the owners are quite prominent on there.
Vask
Sep 23, 2022 at 11:27 AM
Comment #11Yeah nym
Luckily I stay off big social media. This is as media socially as it gets for me.
I think it’s like societies mental illness. All ranting and raving and shouting for nowt. Not on this fine blog though, no sireee. 😉
Harley
Sep 23, 2022 at 11:35 AM
Comment #12Vask
I totally agree. I don’t think most fans realise what Shelvey brings to the team. We looked brilliant with him sitting spraying the ball around with Joelinton as his minder and Bruno doing damage further upfield. It’s a huge blow that he’s out.
The Last Jedi
Sep 23, 2022 at 11:37 AM
Comment #13Shit Breath Vask says even if we dont qualify for Europe it will still be a success. Success is if you win something or reach your target so how anyone can call finishing without Europe ‘success’ is baffling. Maybe brushing your teeth and using strong mouthwash to clear that shit stench will help clear your mind. No offence mi’lud just sound advice
Harley
Sep 23, 2022 at 11:37 AM
Comment #14On Tielmans
I’m not sure about him. On his day he looks amazing but he’s not consistent enough for me and not sure he has the stomach for the fight.
I know he’s free at the end of the season, but if we’re looking at frees I’d far rather go for Zaha. Him and Maxi in the same team would be phenomenal!! He’s a work horse too so no worries about not tracking back.
Vask
Sep 23, 2022 at 11:41 AM
Comment #15TLJ
Is this cos I said you frequent the dog and parrot?
The Last Jedi
Sep 23, 2022 at 11:44 AM
Comment #16It’s because you talk out of your arse and don’t know what success means. Get yourself cleaned up you look rough
Vask
Sep 23, 2022 at 11:44 AM
Comment #17A bit of advice to you TLJ:
Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering. Suffering from spewing your innermost feeling on a football blog. 😉
Vask
Sep 23, 2022 at 11:46 AM
Comment #18Yes a successful season in comparison to where we were for the last 14 years. If you needed clarification on some definitions you should have just asked. No need to bound headlessly into unabashed flirting.
The Last Jedi
Sep 23, 2022 at 11:47 AM
Comment #19Why have you put Shearers face on your Fred Elliott face to hide your identity? Everyone knows a Fred Elliott lookalike.
Have a large scotch on me
Nijmegen-toon
Sep 23, 2022 at 11:49 AM
Comment #20There really is no need for such behaviour on here.
JohnJ
Sep 23, 2022 at 11:51 AM
Comment #21I like to read the comments on The Blog and post my own thoughts at times it’s a great place to be when there’s no bickering.
I am on Facebook but don’t post as much on there nowadays 🙂
Sorry I’m unable to meet up prior the Brentford game and put faces to the names on here.
🙁
CLINT FLICK
Sep 23, 2022 at 11:54 AM
Comment #22https://m.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=144&v=QkF_G-RF66M&feature=emb_title
Vask!
Vask
Sep 23, 2022 at 11:54 AM
Comment #23TLJ
Make it a scotch egg and we can bury the hatchet. 😀
Vask
Sep 23, 2022 at 11:56 AM
Comment #24Clint
Nice.
Lovely little boneless at the back end there.
Nijmegen-toon
Sep 23, 2022 at 12:00 PM
Comment #25Harley.,
There’s a big account on twitter who supports CP. CP had tweeted a photo of Zaha celebrating and the guy tweeted “I hope that’s him signing a new deal” I hadn’t realised it was his last year.
The Last Jedi
Sep 23, 2022 at 12:00 PM
Comment #26Why scotch egg Fred? Is it because its shaped like your head?
Nijmegen-toon
Sep 23, 2022 at 12:01 PM
Comment #27I agree with Vask, if we finish either playing nice football and a couple of decent cup runs it will be a success in my eyes.
Nijmegen-toon
Sep 23, 2022 at 12:02 PM
Comment #28*eighth
Nijmegen-toon
Sep 23, 2022 at 12:04 PM
Comment #29From The Athletic
https://twitter.com/NUFC360/status/1573206913621319681?t=nJus93ZY5V1DZY-zSUIjDg&s=19
Sir Pugalot, the Dutch Bulldog
Sep 23, 2022 at 12:06 PM
Comment #30Jedi, If you cannot post politely, just don’t post.
Sir Pugalot, the Dutch Bulldog
Sep 23, 2022 at 12:08 PM
Comment #31Diaby appears out of range at the moment.
We would need a Death Star to get him in range within 3 years.
Vask
Sep 23, 2022 at 12:08 PM
Comment #32TLJ
Going by your picture it looks like your birthing doctor was rather heavy handed with the auld tongs.
As much as I have enjoyed our little debate I fear we may have digressed a little too far from the purpose of this football blog. So I wish you adieu fair sir. Stay out of the darkside of the dog marra.
snowdone
Sep 23, 2022 at 12:12 PM
Comment #33Well, success is a relative thing in life. You’re setting yourself up for great depression, Jedi, if you expect trophies this season. But that’s your perogative. What is not is your uncouth manner to a fellow blogger!
Shelvey was attacked greatly on the blog, but his worth is proved by his absence. I believe he was buying into the project and improving his fitness. It will be good to see him back!
Vask
Sep 23, 2022 at 12:13 PM
Comment #34Nym
No sign of Pedro on that list, I see.
I suppose the others on the list would significantly improve the match day squad. I think we probably will sign no more than three in January.
Nijmegen-toon
Sep 23, 2022 at 12:14 PM
Comment #35A weekend with no games is going to be tough.
Nijmegen-toon
Sep 23, 2022 at 12:16 PM
Comment #36Vask,
Aye, he was on there
Nijmegen-toon
Sep 23, 2022 at 12:22 PM
Comment #37I wonder if getting another striker relies on getting rid of Wood first.
The Last Jedi
Sep 23, 2022 at 12:37 PM
Comment #38What is Fred Elliotts son called
😀
magicmac54
Sep 23, 2022 at 12:38 PM
Comment #39John J
We understand the reasons you can`t make the Brentford game as your on your travels around Devon, i know it`s a beautiful part of England, i trust your enjoying yourself John and with the help of God we will have the pleasure of meeting you in the future Sir John. Take care fella HWTL
Ruddy Marveaux-lous
Sep 23, 2022 at 12:38 PM
Comment #40Afternoon lads and lasses, busy old week so I’ve not been posting as frequently as I would like. Very concerning news regarding injuries to both Isak and Bruno. We’ve said that in order to reach the more optimistic targets this season we needed a flawless season injury-wise and we’ve just not had that.
On topic, I’d be surprised if we don’t push hard to try and steal a march on other clubs by making a bid for Maddison in January at least. Though I don’t anticipate as busy a January as last January.