With the injury to Sven Botman Newcastle will now be looking for a left-footed center-back who can come in and deputize for the Dutchman, who will likely be out injured with his ACL injury for the rest of this year.
Newcastle have been interested in 21-year-old 6ft 5ins tall center-back Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton.
It’s thought the fee Everton would ask would be at least £85M, and too much for Newcastle with the financial constraints of PSR.
Another center-back that has perked Newcastle’s interest is 20-year-old 6ft 3ins tall Ousmane Diomande of Sporting Lisbon.
The Ivory Coast star is right-footed, however, although he looks like an extremely promising player coming through the ranks at Lisbon.
Nottingham Forest’s 21-year-old Brazilian center-half Murillo is left-footed and has been playing well for Forest although he stands only 5ft 11ins tall.
With center-backs now being as tall as 6ft 5ins and taller, the Brazilian may not be tall enough for what Newcastle need.
Nottingham Forest may have to sell one or more players before the end of June, for PSR reasons, and in this case, Murrillo could possibly be brought in at a bargain fee?
Murillo has played 27 times for Forest since being brought in from Corinthians last summer.
Newcastle could be OK if we can keep both Fabian Schar and Jamaal Lascelles fit through the end of the year since they formed a good partnership while Botman was out injured this season.
But with Newcastle’s luck, it’s almost certain one of them will pick up an injury next season, hence the importance of bringing in another center-back – probably a young central defender.
Both Paul Dummett and Emil Krafth have also shown, that if they are given a chance, they can do the job at center-back.
But Eddie Howe never picks them?
We also have Dan Burn, who is probably more comfortable in the left central defender position, than at left-back.
What do you think?
163 comments so far
Regan
Mar 21, 2024 at 11:30 AM
Comment #1😆
Not another deJong
Mar 21, 2024 at 11:46 AM
Comment #2For the rest of the season I do not mind who plays in central defence from Lascelles, Schar, Burn, Dummett.
At right back, whilst Trippier is out, Livermento, Krafth
At left back Targett, Hall.
I do understand why Burn has been used at left back, but it was not always necessary and with a fully fit squad perhaps using Target & Hall in a 442 would have been an interchangeable method of playing.
Not another deJong
Mar 21, 2024 at 11:47 AM
Comment #3~Target or Hall
magscar
Mar 21, 2024 at 11:50 AM
Comment #4Has bus stopped yet 🙂
Regan few buses back
I’m well over Botmangate
We’re all devastated but I’m not in getting into the blame game
magscar
Mar 21, 2024 at 11:56 AM
Comment #5Lesh
again few buses ago
Yes when I said “made in the 60’s” i was getting at also being shaped into my adult persona as well as musically of course
Not all followed that path it seems though from others that post in our age group
We are what we are though and it’s too late for us to have a cultural makeover
Not another deJong
Mar 21, 2024 at 11:56 AM
Comment #6Expected Player Returns:
Tino Livramento – Ankle/Foot Injury – 30/03/2024
Harvey Barnes – Thigh Injury – 30/03/2024
Kieran Trippier – Calf/Shin/Heel Injury – 30/03/2024
Nick Pope – Shoulder Injury – 27/04/2024
Joelinton – Thigh Injury – 11/05/2024
Callum Wilson – Chest/Abdominal Injury – 11/05/2024
Sandro Tonali – Suspended – 31/08/2024
Sven Botman – Knee Injury – 01/01/2025
No mention of Longstaff, but he must need a few weeks rest to clear up the niggle he has been having injections for. Plus, someone mentioned Willock may need surgery at the end of the season.
With Miley and Anderson back to full fitness they can primarily occupy one birth in central midfield and then both possibly start after a few matches.
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 21, 2024 at 11:59 AM
Comment #7LCBP,
Like a lot of fans you’re wanting us to sign a Toney type striker, not sure if you seen the debate yesterday but unless Isak goes out to the left OR Howe reverts back to his formation at Bmouth that can’t work. My original preferred option would be a striker as good on the right as he is through the middle, is there such a one available. It’s a real tricky one as Isak doesn’t look like a 90 min every game striker so far and finding a Toney type who’ll share minutes with him while pretty much accepting he’s second in the pecking order isn’t going to be easy either. If we could find a 1 in 2 90 minute man then the lack of goals from Isak centrally wouldn’t affect us too much with AG also chipping in from the right. They need to get it right.
The Bard of Bensham Bank
Mar 21, 2024 at 12:02 PM
Comment #8The return of Magscar, I’m sure you’ll agree
Has been like a breath of fresh air and so good to see
He’s certainly a gentleman of the highest rank
Unlike that dodgy geezer from Bensham Bank
His posts are informed and so well written
He’s smart and clever, I confess that I’m smitten
Whether it’s football, music or matters of the day
He speaks so well, I hope he’s here to stay
And when he talks of the loss of his beloved wife
And the emptiness now left in his life
You can feel his sadness and touch his pain
At least his family are with him to help ease the strain
I sincerely hope over the course of time
He begins to feel more like he did in his prime
And as his pain and sadness both slowly fade
He can take greater joy from those memories made
.
.
On a lighter note Magscar, I welcome you back
I hope you’re hanging around enjoying the craic
I think you’ll find that nowt much has changed
We’re just a little bit dafter and a lot more deranged!
JohnJ
Mar 21, 2024 at 12:02 PM
Comment #9Sorry repost from a couple of threads ago – flipping bus on the move again!
Magscar / Lesh
I was born in 44 and soon I’ll reach the magic number of Eight Zero – where did all the time go?
Did you ever get to The Downbeat? It was a den of iniquity and where I first heard The Alan Price Combo! Later to become The Animals to hear their music live was amazing. I also loved The Beatles and have their first 7 LP’s – There was some great music around at that time. I mainly sing Irish, Folk, Country nothing too heavy. I have five guitars but I must get them down to three. I have a Taylor Koa, An Ibanez Black Beauty, and an Ibanez 12 string.- The Taylor is the most valuable and sadly I think that will be sold soon. Need to buy a Tow Car and I’m looking for Ford Kuga. I’ve had three Mondeos and they’ve all been brilliant tow cars.
Not another deJong
Mar 21, 2024 at 12:02 PM
Comment #10Murphy, Almiron, Gordon, Isak and the returning Barnes will need to cover the forward positions for the last 10 matches. I hope they can already add to our massive goal tally, which would see us in 6th place of a goals scored league.
The Bard of Bensham Bank
Mar 21, 2024 at 12:04 PM
Comment #11A shout out too to Throckley Gadgee, who I believe suffered a loss at around the same time.
I’ve seen him on here once or twice since, but not often
Hope you’re doing ok fella.
JohnJ
Mar 21, 2024 at 12:04 PM
Comment #12I just gave you a heart Bard!
The Bard of Bensham Bank
Mar 21, 2024 at 12:06 PM
Comment #13Straight back at yer JJ
🙂
JohnJ
Mar 21, 2024 at 12:07 PM
Comment #14Raj,
What we need is someone like…….
Shearer or Ferdinand or Cole
That sorta player would be ace!
Not another deJong
Mar 21, 2024 at 12:08 PM
Comment #15For whatever reason both Wilson and Isak do not appear to be 90+ minute men and we have had the unfortunate circumstance of having to rely mostly on one of them to see through matches from start to end. Which has led inevitably to increased injuries. There would be scope for another central forward who could share minutes in a three man rota (or less when injuries occur), as at other clubs playing European football. But we also need fresh legs on the right and perhaps coverage is more desirable.
JohnJ
Mar 21, 2024 at 12:17 PM
Comment #16magicmac54
Mar 21, 2024 at 11:20 AM
Comment #6. Previous thread!
I guess you`re just more of an natural in the Jimmy Greaves sense Regan lad ? ? Whilst i`m more from the John Mc Namee era ? ?
HWTL
Magic just for you……
Cha La La McNamee
JohnJ
Mar 21, 2024 at 12:19 PM
Comment #17Len White was my first Toon hero – I used to watch him from the old “Poplar Side”
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 21, 2024 at 12:21 PM
Comment #18JohnJ,
It’s complicated, those advocating that type of player I think haven’t thought it through what happens to Isak.
magscar
Mar 21, 2024 at 12:23 PM
Comment #19Bard
Wow Fame 🙂
Thank you for your respectful words – they are appreciated and despite your usual banter I can see these are well intended
I’m trying not toing keep stray into it as folk have their own issues and once those who want to have wished me well as they catch up ( nearly there I think) I’ll give ower
As someone who has been trying to write lyrics in last year or 2 I know how difficult it is to convert thoughts to rhyme and metre but you do it so well in short space
I’ll stick to my prose and articles !! 😉
Adamn_92
Mar 21, 2024 at 12:27 PM
Comment #20If we sign a striker, it has to be someone to either rotate with Isak, compliment Isak or play alongside Isak.
It should not be someone that forces Isak to go wide left.
Despite him ‘looking good’ wide left, he has simple barely played there his entire career and has only 1 goal and 1 assists from that position.
It would simply be idiotic to force him to play there and sacrifice his incredible goal scoring for us.
If we want someone who ‘looks good’ out wide but doesn’t contribute that much in terms of goals or assists, we may as well just being ASM back! 🙂
Adamn_92
Mar 21, 2024 at 12:28 PM
Comment #21*bring ASM back
magicmac54
Mar 21, 2024 at 12:35 PM
Comment #22John J
Good to see you back posting a lot more frequently Sir John lad. On John Mc Namee, many moons ago he was actually my idol, i just loved his no frills physicality that he brought to the game, big John had the physicality, and take no nonsense approach to play gealic football John J, but modern day footballers wouldn`t last 5 minutes playing either Gealic Football or Rugby mate.
Not another deJong
Mar 21, 2024 at 12:42 PM
Comment #23bring ASM back
Is that a new chant??!!
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 21, 2024 at 12:43 PM
Comment #24Adamn_92,
I want to hear people’s thoughts on it, those saying sign a Toney/Solanke type, what do they propose we do with Isak.
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 21, 2024 at 12:47 PM
Comment #25Nadj,
Unless we hit lucky and get a young striker, who above the levels of a Broja or Origi are going to want to share minutes with Isak, knowing Isak will also get the lions share. I think we should rule Wilson out of the equation and cash in.
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 21, 2024 at 12:51 PM
Comment #26It’s easy to say now as he’s doing fantastic but that Gykores certainly fits the bill, a true CF who can play across the front three, you have to ask despite his exploits in the Championship that nobody in the PL was prepared to take a chance, he would have been well scouted.
Lee Charnley Bunga Party
Mar 21, 2024 at 12:53 PM
Comment #27@Adam92 and Jail
It’s a difficult one I think particularly with the way we play it doesn’t feel like we get the best out of Isak and vice versa
Maybe as the team improves around him that will change
I wasn’t advocating him as a LWF but he’s not a premier league centre forward either he can’t play with his back to goal or ride challenges that you need in the Premier league (Gordon when he’s played up front has done a better job in that skillset)
Where he seems to play best is being allowed freedom to roam find space with finishing chances on the run boom he’s so clinical
For Sweden he often does a no 10 type of thing as well with Sociedad he drifted deeper at times
It’s difficult one for Eddie to solve that’s for sure as we want him involved in the game more getting chances
Feels someone else doing the hold up play or link up playing him in (either a striker or a good old fashioned no 10) like imagine him with a Maddison or Silva type player beside him ? Perfect combo
Lee Charnley Bunga Party
Mar 21, 2024 at 12:57 PM
Comment #28@Jail
Cards on the table for next season I would get Toney or Gykores and play Isak up front with him in a no 10 / second striker role in a 4231 formation
Gordon and Barnes on the wing
Bruno and Joelinton double pivot
Kelly Tosin Schar and Tino as the backline
Ortega or Pope as the keeper
Plenty of pace , power and work rate with a sweeper keeper
That’s my summer wishlist haha
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 21, 2024 at 12:58 PM
Comment #29LCBP,
Something has to give because as you say it doesn’t look like Isak is an every game all game type player and Wilson is not the answer anymore.
lesh
Mar 21, 2024 at 1:01 PM
Comment #30John J
The Downbeat? Oh yes. It didn’t sell booze but I could never work out where the empty Brown Ale bottles came from.
Saturday night was probably Club a Gogo night then down to the Downbeat to see Alan Price et al. I still carry an image of Eric Burdon complete with US army helmet bashing out the likes of Road Runner Almost Gone etc etc.
As you know, the placed ‘close’ at two is but some were just sooo tired, they slept on the floor until daylight. Down to the Railway Canteen by the Central Station for a fry up then out to catch the first bus home.
Hey ho
Lee Charnley Bunga Party
Mar 21, 2024 at 1:01 PM
Comment #31@Jail
It’s such a shame Wilsons body can’t cope with the demands of top level football he really is a supreme goal scorer
Not too many similar young players coming through like him mind you either which is the problem
lesh
Mar 21, 2024 at 1:02 PM
Comment #32Bard
I must say that your little Magscar ditty was very well and thoughtfully written.
Well done sir
magscar
Mar 21, 2024 at 1:20 PM
Comment #33JohnJ
I’m a bit too young for The Newcastle Club scene ( recall Lesh and maybe Tuff were frequenters not sure which club from previous chats?) and I was then too poor ( what money went on albums) when I had to leave school before I finished my A levels as had to find work due to my Dads illness
First concert i went to whilst still in 6th form was Stones Tour October 66 at City Hall withYardbirds , Ike and Tina , Peter Jay and The Jaywalkers
You’ve got some good acoustics and I seem to remember discussions between you, Clint and maybe swlbr a few years back about your gear. I love a 12 string
I was never any good – total self taught amateur on a brand X ( few open chords and a bit of fingerstyle that was me done – a barre was something you drank in) but I could amuse myself and would have loved to have had all the resources available on line now – Ultimate Guitar, Youtube
I’ve got a mate who’s played in a few local bands and reckoned you could never have too many guitars …..he’s now seperated
Seriously i get that it is a wrench but a needs must – Knopfler has had to sell off a lot of his collection ( proceeds gone to Charities)
As to tow car maybe ( he whispers) look at a Skoda might save a few bob on the right model
I’ve got a 2L Octavia Estate which is great but used to have a 1.6L saloon version before that but i have a lightish caravan so depends on you rig
Good luck
Munster Mag
Mar 21, 2024 at 1:25 PM
Comment #34Lee I think a new forward will need to do both the work of a traditional 9 and drift into other positions across the front line. Ideally he’d be a bit of a unit as we miss a physical presence up front. Young enough to play second fiddle.
Munster Mag
Mar 21, 2024 at 1:25 PM
Comment #35Magscar. Do you wish you were on the N17?
🙂
Adamn_92
Mar 21, 2024 at 1:31 PM
Comment #36LCBP
I have to disagree when yourself and others say he isn’t a premier league forward.
He has the best conversion rate in the premier league, is average slightly better than a goal every 2 games and has done so consistently over 2 seasons in the league, with injuries.
Just because he can’t hold the ball up or play with his back to goal, doesn’t mean he’s not a premier league center forward.
If scoring goals and having the best conversation rate in the premier league, means you aren’t a premier league center forward, then what does?
Hold up play and physicality mean nothing if you aren’t putting the ball in the net.
Give me goals over hold up play any day of the week.
Munster Mag
Mar 21, 2024 at 1:32 PM
Comment #37Magic I finally got around to listening to Sean Casey on the Irish u tube show. He’s far more impressive than some people on here give him credit for.
He’s like the local toon fans I play football here and me. Not afraid to question some of Eddie’s tactics and player choice, but wants him to do well.
He made minced meat of Dan Ashford but he had highlighted the differences between them in the past. Obviously some on here wudnt accept that because it wasn’t suitable to a happy sweetpea agenda
Adamn_92
Mar 21, 2024 at 1:35 PM
Comment #38I don’t get the obsession with being strong, holding the ball up, playing with back to goal etc.
If a striker is scoring goals, that’s what matters.
We don’t play long ball where our striker needs to hold the ball up like a target man.
We play with fluidity up top, with pace, link up play and good movement. All of which Isak has and he has the goals to back it up.
We don’t need a ‘traditional premier league forward’.
We just need to play to Isaks strengths more and get better quality around him.
If he’s doing this well now, just imagine how well he’s going to do with quality around him and us playing to his strengths more.
Munster Mag
Mar 21, 2024 at 1:37 PM
Comment #39Lee he certainly isn’t at his best with back to goal but so many other qualities. That’s why I’d like a bit of a unit up there working ( at times) with him, with Isak drifting into the half space and causing havoc from there.
I’ve no doubt Eddie will go for some tall boys this summer.
Munster Mag
Mar 21, 2024 at 1:39 PM
Comment #40Adam it’s not long ball necessarily though, versus short link up play.
Liverpool apparently play the joint most long passes in the league and it does them no harm
We need to mix it up next season and Eddie will know this.