Newcastle United are in a complex situation. Following the Saudi Arabia PIF-backed takeover last October, the Magpies have been blessed with finances beyond their wildest dreams. But despite that, their Premier League status after this term remains in peril.
Since the arrival of Eddie Howe as head coach, Newcastle United’s positive Premier League 2022 results have come few and far between since they’re at 18th in the table with 15 points. They did win in their last match against Leeds United before the international break, but there’s more work to be done to ensure their top-flight survival.
One way to improve their Premier League 2022 odds of maintaining their top-flight status is to make sensible moves during this January transfer window.
Although they’ve already added some pieces in these past few weeks, the fact still remains that they must address certain deficiencies and fast.
But which areas of the pitch need more strengthening? Read on below as SBOTOP lists down the Magpies’ must-haves here in this transfer window.
Centre-back
Newcastle United’s porous backline is well-known since it’s one of the main reasons why they’re in the drop zone. As of this writing, the Magpies have the league’s second-worst defence since they’ve conceded 43 goals already.
They made a step in the right direction by bringing in Kieran Trippier to strengthen their full-back depth. The former Atletico Madrid man was sought after by numerous European clubs given his veteran leadership and versatility on both sides of the pitch.
It helps that Trippier has worked with Eddie Howe before in Burnley, but the England international would need a few more games to re-acclimate himself in his coach’s system.
As of the moment, Jamaal Lascelles and Fabian Schar are Newcastle’s main centre-backs. However, they aren’t getting any younger since both are approaching their 30’s.
The Magpies were once linked with the likes of Lille’s Sven Botman and Sevilla’s Diego Carlos. Both of them make sense since they can contribute right away if brought in, but Newcastle’s approaches to the two have failed to gain traction thus far.
Instead, Newcastle have turned their focus to Dan Burn from Brighton on a cheaper deal. The Brighton centre-back is a physical presence on the defence, and he’s been instrumental for the Seagulls under Graham Potter this season.
Attacking midfielder
Another need for Newcastle is having another dynamic playmaker who can immediately strengthen their lacklustre attack, which has only generated 21 goals.
Joe Willock, Jonjo Shelvey, and Miguel Almiron have been relied upon to do such task so far, but all of them don’t possess enough quality for Howe to rely on each and every game.
For the Magpies’ offence to reach new heights, they need another midfielder who’s an excellent ball carrier that can make progressive passes to the final third and can score goals on their own from time to time.
Signing Bruno Guimaraes from Lyon was a huge coup for Newcastle since he has been a hot commodity in the transfer market, although the Brazilian is more known as a deep-lying and a hard-pressing midfielder.
Jesse Lingard looks to be a viable candidate for the Magpies since he hasn’t gotten enough playing time for Manchester United this term. The 29-year-old has yet to make a single Premier League start this season, making just 14 appearances in all competitions.
His contract with the Red Devils expires this June so Newcastle can swoop him up for free. Doing so would be a smart move since Lingard can play effectively either as an attacking midfielder or in the wings.
Striker
Signing Chris Wood for £25-M is helpful for Newcastle United especially with Callum Wilson sidelined for at least two months due to a calf injury. However, for them to keep up with the best in the Premier League, perhaps they need one more player who has an eye for goals.
With Wood approaching his late 30’s, Eddie Howe needs younger legs who can provide an upgrade not only for the short-term, but also for the long-term as well.
Allan Saint-Maximin has been the Magpies’ main threat with five goals and three assists and it would be ideal if he can find a partner alongside Chris Wood up front.
Newcastle United are linked to talks with Eddie Nketiah as he failed to reach an extension agreement with Arsenal. The 22-year-old is into the final six months of his contract and Arsenal have plenty of incentive to sell him instead of losing him for nothing. Time is ticking and with the deadline day nearing, the Magpies would have to move quickly to confirm their new additions in their busy January transfer window.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
