It seems that Dan Ashworth and his recruitment staff are doing a lot of work before the January transfer window opens, to ensure at least three new players come into the club to help out with the many games we have this season.
We have 10 players out with injuries right now but we reported yesterday that maybe four of those players could return against Chelsea on Saturday.
With the FFP situation Newcastle may want to bring only loan players in during the January window with maybe an option or an obligation to buy, so we don’t have to spend a lot of money in January.
We must keep within the FFP rules which we see Everton haven’t done, and both Chelsea and Manchester City have also been charged with not keeping within FFP rules.
Everton got a 10-point deduction for one charge that was proven and Manchester City have been charged with 115 charges of not keeping within the FFP rules.
We face Paris Saint Germaine in the Champions League on Tuesday 28th November – that’s a week tomorrow.
And it looks like we need a win in that game to keep our hopes alive of qualifying for the knockout rounds.
UEFA Champions League Group F
| Team | Played | Won | Lost | Drawn | GD | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dortmund | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 11 |
| PSG | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 8 |
| AC Milan | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | -3 | 8 |
| Newcastle | 6 | 1 | 3 | 2 | -1 | 5 |
The news today is that Newcastle have rekindled their interest in striker Hugo Ekitike, who we were interested in early last year, but the youngster decided to join PSG instead in 2022.
But things have not gone well for the talented striker who stands 6ft 2ins tall and is still only 21 years old.
He was on loan in Paris for the 2022-2023 season and he played 32 games with 4 goals and 4 assists and the deal was made permanent in the summer for €28.5M plus €6.5M in bonuses.
It’s unlikely PSG will have to pay the bonuses since this season he has played only once for the side.
€28.5M is about £25M so that should be the most Newcastle will pay for the player in any permanent deal.
Newcastle want to negotiate a loan deal for Ekitike for a January move, with it possibly becoming permanent in the summer.
That’s what the Northern Echo are reporting – that Ekitike is again on Newcastle’s radar screen with a January loan deal with an option to buy next summer.
We have to believe that Eddie Howe still sees a good player in the 21-year-old, and as we all know Howe can resurrect players’ careers, which he has done with so many players at Newcastle.
This could be a good deal for Newcastle and a safe one because if he doesn’t perform tjis season on loan we don’t have to buy him next summer.
What do you think about this potential deal?
155 comments so far
Raj of Hailsley
Nov 20, 2023 at 4:34 PM
Comment #41Rh,
If he gets Burnley relegated with a measley 18 points he’s not getting offered a job in the mid to upper regions of the PL anyway, if he could have shown that he was adaptable and kept them up playing sensible football with the level of players at his disposal he might have gone on to a bigger job. He’ll be managing back in the championship with a demoralised Burnley again next year.
Raj of Hailsley
Nov 20, 2023 at 4:38 PM
Comment #42Burnley can’t really sack him either after signing that new deal, unless of course it’s got clauses, which I guess it hasn’t, he might give more of a foo# about avoiding the drop if it did.
Rotonda heights
Nov 20, 2023 at 4:42 PM
Comment #43Jail
So Kompany goes into a training session and says ”right lads, forget about trying to play football cause you’re not good enough, I just want you to hoof it and kick people, rinse and repeat every game. We’ll circle the drain every season playing stuff nobody want to see but what the hey, at least I won’t be seen as being vain !! ”.
Transfer Sage
Nov 20, 2023 at 4:44 PM
Comment #44On the Kompany point, it’s a difficult balance to get right.
There’s no point in them going back to Dyche style tactics if they have a squad who aren’t able to play it. They are a squad for playing technical football, build up from the back type football that they did very well with last year. They certainly aren’t the players Dyche had.
I think what Kompany needs to do is get the balance right and find some solutions. They keep getting caught out the same way. He needs to find a way to address that, whilst maintaining the basic principles. That will be what shows he is capable of managing at this level.
I’m not super familiar with their players but the other promoted teams, Sheff Utd and Luton have 5 and 6 points, so their style is hardly a success either. The key for all three of these teams is the lack of PL quality in the squad.
Not team will find it easy coming into this league now given the quality of opposition, particularly with the resurgence of teams like us, Villa and Brighton, even West Ham. You had a real high quality 10 sides then others who’ve been in the league a good while and and have that bit more quality in the teams.
Burnley may well be quite happy to be promoted and relegated as they steadily improve the squad, until they are in a position to compete for survival one year and then hope to stay.
Raj of Hailsley
Nov 20, 2023 at 4:47 PM
Comment #45Rh,
No, it’s about convincing the players are good enough while instilling a bit of realism in to them, getting humped week in week out will make them lose faith in him by Christmas, he needs to adjust his tactics.
Lord Scattercash
Nov 20, 2023 at 4:51 PM
Comment #46Kompany will have asked Pep what he thinks and will try to get Burnley to get in a couple of players that can remedy the issue.
Kompany is a good man…not sure he’ll make the grade as a top level manager though…although I hope he does.
His current crop of players go the promotion playing Kompany’s system, but they’re not good enough to play the same system in the prem.
A Geordie Mongrel
Nov 20, 2023 at 4:51 PM
Comment #47Afternoon all, an excellent article by John Gibson. Newcastle can’t ignore warnings up top in January window after Wilson blow
https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newcastle-cant-ignore-warnings-up-28134168#ICID=Android_ChronicleNewsApp_AppShare
Sir Pugalot, the Dutch Bulldog
Nov 20, 2023 at 4:54 PM
Comment #48LS The Pug is always innocent.
Raj of Hailsley
Nov 20, 2023 at 4:55 PM
Comment #49AGM,
I like John Gibson, speaks a lot of sense
Lord Scattercash
Nov 20, 2023 at 4:57 PM
Comment #50He’s just repeated what I said weeks ago…he obviously reads the blog! 😉
You heard it here last!
Raj of Hailsley
Nov 20, 2023 at 5:01 PM
Comment #51Aye,
We need to drop this notion of buying a third striker, Wilson’s replacement needs to be done now, let us see how they skirt FFP with this one, I really thought Etikite was like Isak but RW as opposed to LW.
Sir Pugalot, the Dutch Bulldog
Nov 20, 2023 at 5:04 PM
Comment #52Raj from Bangladesh. Interesting times given that India is 5 hours ahead.
That must mean you work 20/24 Not much time for sleep. Sunderland is good at this time of year I am told.
Raj of Hailsley
Nov 20, 2023 at 5:32 PM
Comment #53SirP,
Are you not getting the memo,.we’re supposed to be ignoring it, who gives a foo# where it’s from, does the blog need to be put through this whole silly charade of you, it and ch and these childish back and forths.
mctoon
Nov 20, 2023 at 5:52 PM
Comment #54Personally think it would be a loan with a commitment to buy Ekitike rather than an option Dr Ed.
I feel PSG would most likely insist on that too.
I’m thinking that arrangement might be the case for any striker brought in during January.
It has less of impact on our FFP until the Summer and new financial year.
I’ve got no problem with him if true.
I wonder if we’d bring Minteh back if his loan agreement and visa situation allowed it.
He’s played up top and right wing for Feyenoord this season and done well so far.
Not sure on his current injury situation though, or if Eddie would trust him yet in the cut and thrust of the EPL.
It’s a whole different ball game.
cyprus
Nov 20, 2023 at 5:53 PM
Comment #55Tried to log in, took a while, website is forgetting my details?
I’m here till this thing closes!
Unless it’s morphed into a Burnley site.
Now, can WE give Chelsea a game? They’re hitting form, at the wrong time, for us.
We’ll need the stadium buzzing. I think they’ll be nervous, along with the players. Should we do a little of the previous two coaches tactics? Be… Pragmatic?
No, go for it lads.
Raj of Hailsley
Nov 20, 2023 at 5:57 PM
Comment #56mctoon,
I think that would be a terrible idea, most definitely an option to buy, what happens if he ends up a bad apple here as well.
Raj From Bangladesh
Nov 20, 2023 at 5:59 PM
Comment #57Moise Kean can play all across front 3
mctoon
Nov 20, 2023 at 6:03 PM
Comment #58I just think that PSG will insist on that Raj.
They and Ekitike, will have other options besides us.
(Haven’t Tottenham been mooted)
We’ve also chased him a long time, I’d imagine if Eddie, Dan and co are still chasing, then they’re pretty convinced on him?
AnyToon in Indiana
Nov 20, 2023 at 6:11 PM
Comment #59Ekitike again….oh this is a long two weeks.
Sir Pugalot, the Dutch Bulldog
Nov 20, 2023 at 6:12 PM
Comment #60OK Jail. Recognise. It is out of my hands now. Just linking them all together.
I kept completely out of it until….. Then I am afraid I crashed in.
Sir Pugalot, the Dutch Bulldog
Nov 20, 2023 at 6:18 PM
Comment #61In my best Spanish. ” Biggo Mistakeo!”
It is in process now, I can not stop it.. I Don’t wish the troll ill will. I believe if he keeps his head down might just get a slapped wrist. I don’t know. Out of my hands unless they call me.
He did have a crack at me and the Rabbit.
Raj of Hailsley
Nov 20, 2023 at 6:18 PM
Comment #62mctoon,
Do you think anyone will take a risk on him given his price tag and past behaviour, I think an option rather than obligation is the way forward, I suppose depends on hoe desperate PSG are to offload him, them insisting it’s an obligation would send alarm bells in itself.
Raj of Hailsley
Nov 20, 2023 at 6:19 PM
Comment #63SirP,
Give it up ffs, you’re sounding as daft as he is.
Sir Pugalot, the Dutch Bulldog
Nov 20, 2023 at 6:22 PM
Comment #64Going silent, going deep.
Have a good blog tonight all.
Sir Pugalot, the Dutch Bulldog
Nov 20, 2023 at 6:22 PM
Comment #65Thanks Jail.
Munster Mag
Nov 20, 2023 at 6:23 PM
Comment #66Appalling attempt? You extol the virtues of good football but never once allowed yourself to admit that Rafa played sideways sideways hoof? Bit hypocritical old bean.
Raj of Hailsley
Nov 20, 2023 at 6:25 PM
Comment #67Nick DeMarco representing Mendy in unpaid wages.
Raj of Hailsley
Nov 20, 2023 at 6:26 PM
Comment #68Munster Mag,
Rafa was getting humped three and four nil every week.
Raj of Hailsley
Nov 20, 2023 at 6:28 PM
Comment #69*wasn’t
Sir Pugalot, the Dutch Bulldog
Nov 20, 2023 at 6:28 PM
Comment #70Hasta lasagna
mctoon
Nov 20, 2023 at 6:36 PM
Comment #71Raj,
knowing what we ‘think’ we know about his character to date.
Is it better to have a player on loan who knows if he performs badly he can just roll back to his beloved PSG in the summer.
Or have a player that knows his future is with us from the off. It’s just that his fee won’t be paid until the summer?
Who’s likely to be the more committed, whether he finally settles here or not?
(It’s not like he’s coming from a totally Inferior club)
(just like my opinion) it could all be bollocks, anyway.
Raj From Bangladesh
Nov 20, 2023 at 6:39 PM
Comment #72Being daft is contagious. Pugwash must have licked my bumhole after sniffing it and now has caught the daft bug 😀
Raj of Hailsley
Nov 20, 2023 at 6:43 PM
Comment #73mctoon,
But surely he knows his career is going down the plug hole if he goes back to PSG, we’ll just let Dan Ashworth sort it 😀
captainmarvel
Nov 20, 2023 at 6:47 PM
Comment #74I think certain is not from Bangladesh..
mctoon
Nov 20, 2023 at 6:47 PM
Comment #75Yeah, I’d trust him far more than you or I, Raj. lol.
Raj of Hailsley
Nov 20, 2023 at 6:51 PM
Comment #76captainmarvel,
No sheet Sherlock.
Raj From Bangladesh
Nov 20, 2023 at 6:52 PM
Comment #77I am certainly am Captainmarvel. Bangladesh from the DC universe 😀
Raj From Bangladesh
Nov 20, 2023 at 6:55 PM
Comment #78You can ask Cu*t Home. The homeless unwashed spicehead will vouch for me.
A Geordie Mongrel
Nov 20, 2023 at 7:08 PM
Comment #79Jail, Gibson is old school. A proper Journalist.
Cyprus, I kept getting logged out yesterday. All good today though.
Raj From Bangladesh
Nov 20, 2023 at 7:11 PM
Comment #80What about Samardzic from Udinese?