What Positions Do Newcastle United Need to Strengthen in January?

Even though the summer window has not long closed there are reports that Ross Wilson is already planning for possible signings in the January window.

So where does Matthias Jaissle's squad still need strengthening?

Do Newcastle Need Another Centre-Back?

Defence could be Newcastle's biggest January priority.

Jaissle wants his team to transition quickly and play with a relatively high defensive line.

Howver, his 4231 system and the players used in the 3 and 2 also leaves us short of midfielders who have defensive qualities and also relies on defenders, and especially centre backs, with pace.

When Newcastle lose possession in the oppo's half defenders are too often being left with large areas of space to cover as, with two wingers in the three, our midfield has often been overrun leaving the CB's exposed.

And, with neither Thiaw or Botman being speed merchants that has contributed to Newcastle conceding far too many attempts on goal during the opening weeks of the season.

Dan Burn's injury has also demonstrated how quickly defensive options can become stretched. And, whilst the BDB has just returned from World Cup duty, he isn't getting any younger or quicker and his time as a first choice may be running out.

A quick centre-back comfortable defending one-on-one and capable of playing in a high line would appear particularly well suited to Jaissle's system.

Ideally, Wilson would find somebody young enough to develop but experienced enough to compete immediately for a starting position.

Does Jaissle Need Another Central Midfielder?

Newcastle completely reshaped their midfield during the summer.

Nico González arrived from Manchester City, while youngsters Sean Steur and Aladji Bamba were significant investments for the future.

Steur, in particular, has already been given considerable first-team responsibility despite being only 18 and has done exceptionally well.

However, Joelinton's injury has shown how short Newcastle are of a physical presence in midfield and whilst Bamba is a defensive midfielder he has been used sparingly as a sub by Jaissle and at just 20 is still part of the ongoing 'work in progress'.

So, an experienced defensive midfielder might be on Wilson's and Jaissle's list.

Do Newcastle Need Another Winger?

Anthony Elanga's injury has highlighted another potential weakness.

Jacob Murphy is another player who no longer has age on his side and whilst he always gives 100% his performances no longer match the heights he hit two seasons ago.

On the left wing Toure is breathing down the neck of Harvey Barnes for a start and the rumours that Jaissle is looking for another right winger to back up Elanga aren't surprising.

Do Newcastle Need Another Striker?

Even though Jaissle has three strikers in the squad; Osula, Wissa and Pardo, some fans still believe that goals may be hard to come by.

Osula's injury, Wissa being used as a 10, and Pardo having started just two games, means that the jury is still out on whether any of those three can become regular goalscorers.

How the those players perform over the next three months may influence whether another striker is targeted in January, but proven goalscorers cost big money, and the hope will be that one or more of Osula, Wissa and Pardo find their scoring boots.

How Many Players Could Newcastle Sign in January?

January is traditionally a difficult window in which to find value.

Clubs are reluctant to sell important players halfway through a season and asking prices can be inflated. However, sometimes needs must.

If Newcastle continue to leak goals at the same rate as we've started the season then a centre back may become a priority.

Botman's injury issues have affected his time on the pitch and in turn his form which is way off the level he produced when he first arrived.

And, whilst Thiaw has been an excellent buy at £34M, he needs to find consistency and cut out his growing reputation for having an error in him in every game.

With Schar and Burn the wrong side of 30 the time to bring in new younger CB's will come sooner rather than later - and if the right player is available at the right price January might well see that process start.

Ross Wilson Will Already Have Targets

Ross had a lot to prove going into his first transfer window and he didn't come up short with a mix of young players with obvious quality and potential and more experienced players like Dedic and Gonzalez.

Although we missed out on Munoz and Manzambi the fact that they were identified as targets before the World Cup, together with the young off the radar sigings he made, shows that Wilson had been working hard behind the scenes.

That work will have carried on and I'm sure the next set of targets have already been identified, whether it be for January or next summer.

It's early days for January speculation from fans...

But not too early for Ross Wilson to be ready to go.

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