There are 48 days until the transfer window opens on January 1st, 2024.
So we would expect Newcastle to be linked with multiple players before the winter transfer window opens.
With Newcastle currently having 10 first-teamers out injured and Sandro Tonali banned for the season, it’s obvious the owners will be bringing players in during January – and we hope it’s at least 4 new players – some probably on loan.
But we also know that January is a difficult window to pry players away from their clubs in mid-season.
And we need both quantity but most of all quality.
So let’s start in defense and we need a left back.
That sounds silly even though we just bought Lewis Hall in from Chelsea, but with the experienced Dan Burn and Matt Targett both out, that’s a weakness we have with 19-year-old Hall just getting to know how Eddie Howe wants him to play.
In fact, one way Eddie Howe could get around the situation, short term, is to play Kieran Trippier at left-back and Tino Lavramento at right-back.
The former Saints full-back Lavramento has been awesome this season when he’s played in the first team, and he seems like a versatile player.
So there may be a question as whether we need a left-back if Trippier and Lavramento work well at full-back.
We definitely need a young center-back brought in, and it’s always been talked about bringing in somebody who can replace Fabian Schar long-term.
We were linked with Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite today, and he would be an excellent acquisition for us but we wonder if Everton would be willing to sell the player, especially in January.
We also need cover for the suspended Sandro Tonali, but I would like to see us bring someone in during January who would be in our long-term plans, not just a stop-gap for Tonali.
Somebody like Kalvin Phillips would do the job and Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has said recently that he would be willing to sell Phillips to any club in the Premier League in Jnauary – so that may be a possibility.
It looks like the other Premier League clubs will vote to cut off the possibility of signing Ruben Neves from Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal.
So that proposed loan deal will not happen.
We also need a couple of goalscoring forwards up front, with Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak both out injured.
Both had injury problems last season too.
We would like to see a goalscoring winger and an out-and-out striker signed – whoever they may be.
So there you have it, we need the following positions strengthened:
Left-Back
Center-Back
Central-Midfield
Goalscoring winger
Striker
And as we said earlier, if we can play Kieran Trippier at left back and Tino Lavramento at right back then we may not need to bring in yet another left back – and why not try Paul Dummett there?
One of the things that worries us right now is how will we fare in the 10 games we have to play before the end of this year.
Eddie Howe and his current players need all the help we can give them this year, and then hopefully the owners will bring four or five new players in during January – hopefully early January if possible.
That’s the hope anyway.
Where do you think we need to strengthen and which players would you like brought in?
Comments welcome.
93 comments so far
Certain Toon
Nov 13, 2023 at 10:05 PM
Comment #41https://x.com/90sfootball/status/1724140069882105948?s=20
If Autistic Taco was a coach this is how he would train his players. The dance part will dominate every session 😀
The Taco Taker
Nov 13, 2023 at 10:16 PM
Comment #42Too much unnecessary running and jumping in that Ajax video, could cause injury.
Yoga is key!
martoon
Nov 13, 2023 at 10:19 PM
Comment #43I think Gordon and Longstaff deserved an England call up but I’m also happy enough they didn’t so they can have a break.
Thinking about it even if one day Southgate does call them up then knowing how he often has players out of position he would probably play Longstaff at Centre Forward and Gordon at Centre Half! 😆
Certain Toon
Nov 13, 2023 at 10:32 PM
Comment #44Doesn’t even criticise the dancing. Knew it
Certain Toon
Nov 13, 2023 at 10:33 PM
Comment #45The dance music was from Tacos personal collection 😀
lochinvar
Nov 13, 2023 at 10:43 PM
Comment #46That’s Manu fecked then if Mbappe and Steve Bruce have the same Agent.
Manchester United bosses are refusing to meet agents if they believe they are trying to pitch clients to replace Erik ten Hag as manager. (ESPN)
ottawageordie2
Nov 13, 2023 at 11:04 PM
Comment #47Bruce to Manure. I can only dream!
CLINT FLICK
Nov 13, 2023 at 11:04 PM
Comment #48Taco
Agreed mate,
The written form is a start point!
We go to 5 at the back, frequently, during a game.
433 gives us the ability to change up as the game develops. 343 WAS our nominal form last season, obviously, as teams now try and counter us we vary it.
lochinvar
Nov 13, 2023 at 11:18 PM
Comment #49And the shirt pull on Miggy lifting him into the air in the box which should have been a penalty and possibly a red card (last man and possible goal scoring opportunity denied) isn’t even discussed ?
Selective amnesia.
Ref and VAR incompetent on that, others would say its dodgy because they didn’t want to make the obvious decision.
lochinvar
Nov 13, 2023 at 11:21 PM
Comment #50Shared from Sky Sports: Ref Watch: Referee Anthony Taylor right to award penalties to Chelsea and Manchester City, says former Premier League official Dermot Gallagher https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/13007150/ref-watch-referee-anthony-taylor-right-to-award-penalties-to-chelsea-and-manchester-city-says-former-premier-league-official-dermot-gallagher
Raj of Hailsley
Nov 14, 2023 at 5:45 AM
Comment #51A few people retreating this but not sure who the originator is, could be just another wannabee itk.
https://twitter.com/thelittlemans/status/1724201926462443998?s=19
lochinvar
Nov 14, 2023 at 8:00 AM
Comment #52Similar to Jacob’s injury but seems to have avoided the need for an operation
But a brief Real Madrid statement ahead of the game read: “Jude Bellingham, the player has been diagnosed with anterior instability of the left shoulder, a consequence of his recent dislocation.
“Bellingham will miss today’s game against Valencia.”
The Mighty Quinn
Nov 14, 2023 at 8:04 AM
Comment #53Whatever happens with the rest of Newcastle United’s precarious Champions League campaign, the club will feel like it has been a journey worth taking. Last week’s trip to Borussia Dortmund, like the previous fixture at AC Milan and the short hop to Paris Saint-Germain in a fortnight, have doubled up as fact-finding missions for the sizeable party of travelling Newcastle executives, who have been taking notes on everything from academy set-ups to hospitality offerings at the homes of these European heavyweights. That energy extends to every corner of the club. Their bit-by-bit renovation of St James’ Park will continue with a press room refit in the coming months and the impressive set-up at Signal Iduna Park provided food for thought for when the builders descend. The club’s tired megastore is also due a facelift, with a new head of retail operations due to be appointed in time for the new year. The cavernous club shop they came across in Germany, decked in Borussia Dortmund’s signature yellow and black and hosting a steady stream of patrons willing to hand over their credit cards, should be some sort of inspiration.
“The club no longer has the attitude of that’ll do, it’s ‘How can we be the best that we can be?’”
These are lessons worth heeding as Newcastle’s season begins to fray at the edges. A tired, over-burdened squad looked physically and mentally shattered as they followed up European disappointment with the worst performance of the season in defeat at Bournemouth.
“A game too far,” declared Eddie Howe afterwards as the club’s lengthy injury list finally caught up with them. With 10 first team players on the treatment table or suspended – and few of them returning in time for a potentially pivotal run of games before Christmas – it is natural that anxiety is building on Tyneside. There are worries that the gains of last year will evaporate under the pressure of fighting on three fronts. But, i understands, Newcastle’s hierarchy remain focused on the bigger picture. There is no sense of panic. Turbo-charged progress on the field was always going to bring challenges – “Champagne problems” is how CEO Darren Eales often refers to them – and one of them is now to manage the mood as the campaign reaches crunch point.
The break has come at a good time although only Alexander Isak of the injured list is expected to be in contention for the visit of a reinvigorated Chelsea when the Premier League returns after the international break on 25 November. Howe’s challenge now is to keep the season alive until January, when the club intend to back the manager with resources to add loan and permanent signings to the squad. Recruitment meetings are scheduled for the international fortnight and the scale of the injury issues have, in the words of one person with knowledge of the situation, “focused minds”. Perhaps this is not the time for transfer experimentation.
In the long-term Newcastle believe they will be better equipped to handle the twin goals of Champions League progress and flexing their muscles domestically. A bigger, deeper squad is required and an academy staffed with players ready to take the next step is a short-term aspiration. The hope is also that commercial revenue will start to catch up with the football operation, offering them much greater Financial Fair Play flexibility in future close seasons.
lochinvar
Nov 14, 2023 at 8:28 AM
Comment #54See that PSG have cut our ticket allocation on so called safety grounds by 400.
In effect admitting that they have failed to meet UEFA’s safety standards and not allowing our 5% of capacity allocation is in breach or regulations
Clearly UEFA will have to take punitive action against PSG. Doubt they will as they probably take holidays together. Tacky.
Wor B
Nov 14, 2023 at 8:31 AM
Comment #55Good post TMQ, your writing style is on a par with that of a quality sports journalist at the moment!
😉
CLINT FLICK
Nov 14, 2023 at 8:35 AM
Comment #56Hey Quinny
Did you write that or is it from somewhere online?
If it was you mate,
Top shit bro’!
Excellent analysis, too!
😉
CLINT FLICK
Nov 14, 2023 at 8:36 AM
Comment #57Loch
Psg are a ‘class’ outfit, huh?
NOT!
ToonDarnSarf
Nov 14, 2023 at 8:55 AM
Comment #58Morning all. Anyone else going to the Man Utd game on 2nd Dec? Would be great to meet up with a few folks around the game.
Raj of Hailsley
Nov 14, 2023 at 9:07 AM
Comment #59TMQ,
You should send that in to The Athletic or The Times, that was top notch that like.
Sir Pugalot, the Dutch Bulldog
Nov 14, 2023 at 9:11 AM
Comment #60So Ratcliffe buys 25% of ManU and next we hear is ManU interested in a Nice player, A team that Ratcliffe owns. Interesting.
Certain Toon
Nov 14, 2023 at 9:11 AM
Comment #61https://x.com/DirtyFootbaIIer/status/1724152904083181803?s=20
The day Ottawageordie failed as a footballer and ran off crying and emigrated to Canada to live in recluse. The shame of that miss was too much 😀
Raj of Hailsley
Nov 14, 2023 at 9:16 AM
Comment #62I think we’re going to hear a lot of doom and gloom articles over these coming weeks. We can talk about fighting on four fronts and not having a big enough squad but this amount of injuries is unprecedented, they’re not fatigue injuries either, just pure bad luck.
Raj of Hailsley
Nov 14, 2023 at 9:19 AM
Comment #63Botman has gone from return date 25th of Nov on FPL to unknow return date, specialist’s in Holland? I reckon he could be out for the season and the club are keeping it under wraps for now.
CLINT FLICK
Nov 14, 2023 at 9:22 AM
Comment #64Sir P
Hmmm?
Watch this space!
Raj of Hailsley
Nov 14, 2023 at 9:24 AM
Comment #65It’s a shame that after all the progress we’ve made we’ve come unstuck with a betting scandal and injuries, I don’t think we’d have done anything different in hindsight last summer. Tino and Hall were building foundations and that is the club’s strategy obviously. I think the way they’ll look at it is that we’re way ahead of schedule as it is. This season has just been an added bonus.
JohnJ
Nov 14, 2023 at 9:24 AM
Comment #66I noted Dr Ed’s comments as follows
“ I have had a number of messages from readers recently complaining about other readers putting out dubious comments. Can you please try to handle these yourselves – I just don’t have the energy or strength to do this, and Neil is no longer involved with the blog – I hope you understand – thanks for your help on this.”
I fully understand the above statement and deeply regret having to trouble Dr Ed. I have to admit that I was one of the folk that most reluctantly got in touch with him when a certain under world bag of shite began posting obnoxious comments about my wife! I can take as good as I can give or chose to ignore any sh!te that’s directed at me but I will never accept insults that were/are directed about my wife!
In view of those comments in the main you will now, in the main, only find me lurking on here or posting on the “other” site.
I have zero interest in reading the obnoxious crap that a very small majority of posters, 3 or 4, insist on using.
So it’s good bye folks!
The Mighty Quinn
Nov 14, 2023 at 9:30 AM
Comment #67Unless we’re playing Trippier at left back and Tino at right back Dummet will have to play left back against Chelsea as Hall I would assume will be ineligible due to his loan.
ToonDarnSarf
Nov 14, 2023 at 9:30 AM
Comment #68John J – I’m glad that you asked Ed as I think it’s important that he’s aware. Fair enough for his response too, he’s dealing with more important things than 1 troll on a blog. Sadly, the only way that troll is going away is if people ignore it.
See you on Discord then…minus 1 troll.
Raj of Hailsley
Nov 14, 2023 at 9:32 AM
Comment #69Reet,
These Nav Aids won’t repair themselves.
Hasta la pasta
😀
CLINT FLICK
Nov 14, 2023 at 9:34 AM
Comment #70Johnj
Hey mate,
Sorry to read this from you…
It’s totally understandable, mate.
Don’t let the shoite bring you down brother… it’s detestable crap, that should not be happening.
Get yourself over to discord ( in name only, ironically!!) for chats and civility.
…and keep ya eye in, here.
i love here but it’s hard to watch, sometimes.
All the best, mate.
The Mighty Quinn
Nov 14, 2023 at 9:35 AM
Comment #71Howay JohnJ I put alot of effort into comment no53. No need to stop posting on a forum you have read and contributed to for years. Just flick/scroll past the posters you don’t like. Time to quit the blog is when it’s not here anymore. Enjoy it while it lasts.
CLINT FLICK
Nov 14, 2023 at 9:37 AM
Comment #72Quinny
Always liked Dummett in at CB.
Not sure how Tino can be dropped, real class act that kid!
The Mighty Quinn
Nov 14, 2023 at 9:48 AM
Comment #73Clint I agree. Last time Dummet played left back was against Leeds away. He was having a canny game but went off injured. We won 1-0 and in my opinion was the start of our turnaround to finishing 11th that season.
Adamn_92
Nov 14, 2023 at 10:03 AM
Comment #74I think Tino may be the best 1 v 1 defender i’ve seen. He just never seems to get beat!
Certain Toon
Nov 14, 2023 at 10:56 AM
Comment #75Good riddance to bad rubbish
Certain Toon
Nov 14, 2023 at 10:57 AM
Comment #76Junkie, repost the messages where your wife was insulted.
Certain Toon
Nov 14, 2023 at 10:58 AM
Comment #77See you on Discord Tedious
Raj of Hailsley
Nov 14, 2023 at 11:49 AM
Comment #78TMQ,
Are you being a little tinker #53, a lot of effort 😀
Raj of Hailsley
Nov 14, 2023 at 11:52 AM
Comment #79JohnJ,
Take no notice of the worm, they’re only words, everyone has got your back here, seeing as Ed has said that he’s not doing anything about it we’ll just have to collectively learn to ignore it, if we all abandoned this site then Ed would stop posting articles and the troll has won. Please have a rethink.
Munster Mag
Nov 14, 2023 at 12:00 PM
Comment #80Tmq, er…fine words indeed 🙂