Sports
OPINION: Newcastle could make late adjustment to transfer policy due to growing injury list

The Magpies suffered a number of key injuries against the Red Devils and might have to reshape their transfer policy after both Wilson and Saint-Maximin limp off with calf issues.
Ryan Fraser also joins the growing list of players on the sideline after he suffered a hamstring problem as Newcastle were unfortunate not to win.
Following the postponement of the Everton game on Thursday night, Newcastle head into the New Year in 19th position, having won just once in the first half of the campaign.
Howe’s side will be pleased with their efforts in the draw with Man Utd last time out but the Newcastle manager will be worried about the extent of the injuries sustained at St James’ Park on Monday evening.
Callum Wilson’s calf injury seems to be the most serious. The striker may face “weeks to months” out after he limped off at half time with his side leading 1-0. Allan Saint-Maximin’s night also came to a premature end as the French Winger was unable to continue after he went down clutching his calf – Howe seems to think this is less serious.
Ryan Fraser, who had his best game in a black and white shirt, is reported to have a hamstring issue and could also miss the next couple of games.
The trio join defenders Jamal Lewis, Federico Fernandez and Paul Dummet on the sidelines and add to the lengthy injury list at the club.
CRUCIAL TRANSFER WINDOW
Following the Saudi-led takeover of Newcastle in October, the Magpies are expected to bring major reinforcements to the club during the fast-approaching January transfer window in what promises to be the most important window in the clubs history.
The defensive deficiencies are there for all to see as Howe is expected to bring in a number of players at the back to help bolster Newcastle’s chances of Premier League survival.
Defensively, Howe’s side have been linked with a growing number of players and names like James Tarkowski and Kieran Trippier would be welcomed to SJP with open arms. The Magpies have the second-worst defensive record in the division having shipped 42 goals in their opening 19 games.
However, with the recent injuries sustained by attacking players, the Newcastle manager may have to rethink his transfer policy slightly in the coming weeks.
The loss of Wilson for what could be months, could hugely damage the clubs chances of retaining its Premier League status come the end of the season. Without a quality replacement for the top-scorer, it seems that Newcastle may need to utilise their substantial budget and call on some Premier League experience in the striker department.
Dwight Gayle is a decent option to have off the bench but is yet to feature much under Howe and lacks the ability needed to keep the side up and score important goals.
Newcastle have been linked with a myriad of attacking names such as: Jesse Lingard, Dele Alli, Van de Beek and Odion Ighalo but none of them have the same striker’s instincts as Wilson. No doubt they would improve the squad in forward areas but the club needs a figurehead to put the ball in the net.
IMPORTANCE OF WILSON AND SAINT-MAXIMIN
Callum Wilson has that knack of scoring important goals e.g against Southampton, Spurs, Palace, Norwich and Burnley all this season and will be a huge miss. No doubt Howe will be looking for replacements already and could bring someone in during the early stages of the window. His side need to find the back of the net more often, especially in the upcoming games against fellow strugglers: Southampton, Watford and Leeds.
Allan Saint-Maximin has brightened up the season at times with his mesmerising dribbling and entertaining personality. The 24-year-old is a fan favourite on Tyneside and will be missed if he spends a long period out of action – it would be tough to find anyone with the same ability on the ball.
The end product is sometimes missing when the French winger has possession, however it was clear for all to see on Monday evening when he smashed his side in-front. If Howe brings in attacking reinforcements, he will be hoping to add to the productivity of the side going forward and search for players to match his front-foot, attacking and exciting style of play.
Wilson and Saint-Maximin have scored a combined 10 goals and had 4 assists for the Magpies so far this season and make up more than half of the goals managed by the side in their opening 19 games. The pair give the side substantial threat in attacking areas and are one of the best combinations in the league – their form will be hard to replicate.
Saint-Maximin was back to his best for the visit of Manchester United and scored a sublime opening goal – a glimpse of his full potential.

Saint-Maximin took the lead for NUFC inside seven minutes…
THE NEXT FIVE GAMES
Newcastle aren’t in action again until the 2nd of January and could have some new names at the club by then.The next fixture is away to Southampton at St Mary’s and Howe’s side will be expecting to pick up three points to add to their season tally of 11.
Teams around Newcastle have up to four games in hand but by the time the Toon are playing again the table might have sorted itself out.
In the next five Premier League games, Newcastle face: Southampton (A), Watford (H), Leeds (A), Everton (H) and Aston Villa (H), knowing that they will need to pick up a substantial points total to help them climb out of the relegation zone.
The performance against the Red Devils shows that Howe’s side are capable of giving anyone a game at SJP and the form of Joelinton might just give the side the spark in the midfield to get some much-needed points on the board in the coming weeks.
Consecutive games against fellow strugglers Southampton, Watford and Leeds represent the best opportunities for the Magpies to pick up three points but with the potential loss of Wilson and, less likely the loss of Saint-Maximin, these games may become even more challenging.
Watford sit in 17th position at the time of writing and have 13 points (2 more than NUFC) with 2 games in hand. Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds have 5 more points than Newcastle and have a game in hand. The next couple of weeks may shape how the closing stages of the season look and could be one of the most important periods in the clubs history.
HWTL.
Thoughts?
Are you worried about the injury to Wilson? Which striker would you bring to the club? Can Howe’s side get their second win against the Saints?
Join in the conversation and have your say…
Featured
Newcastle United to Reveal New Shirt Sponsor?

footballinsider247 are reporting that the main shirt sponsor slot for Newcastle United is expected to be filled by airline SAUDI, who sponsored Newcastle’s mid-season tour of their owners’ homeland in December.
They state ‘This site revealed in February that there is frustration at St James’ Park that they have inherited a kit deal with Castore worth just £5m per year with no break clause and several seasons left to run.’
Newcastle’s recently appointed CEO Darren Eales has already previously expressed that the club at looking at all commercial opportunities and fans on Twitter were keen to mock up their expectation for the new shirts, see below and let us know your thoughts and also see our below video on how NUFC can increase commercial avenues..
Eddie Howe’s team are currently in a strong position to achieve a European slot which would increase revenue into the club allowing more spend whilst staying within Financial Fair Play which is something Howe has spoken about on several occasions as they look to stay within. If the club do reach a European slot it should help significantly with recruitment in the summer by making it a more attractive proposition to any incoming targets.
What do you think of the kits – let us know on our facebook page and join in on the conversation.
You can also download our FREE app – https://linktr.ee/northeastupdates
Credit: NUFC kit concept – twitter
Follow us on YouTube for all local videos and to support us – North East Updates – YouTube
Featured
Amazon filming Newcastle United for “All or Nothing” style documentary

Amazon Prime are currently filming behind-the-scenes footage at Newcastle United for a new documentary.
The docu-series will provide an insight into the club and its efforts to secure a top-four finish and a piece of silverware in the 2022-23 season.
Reports today revealed that camera crews have been filming a four-part documentary for their All or Nothing series. Sky Sports’ Keith Downie confirmed that the series will cover the club and the new owners as they attempt to qualify for the Champions League and win a trophy.
The All or Nothing series has previously documented other Premier League Clubs including Manchester City, Arsenal, and Spurs as well as the Brazilian national team, Juventus, and the All Blacks of rugby.
Something I mentioned last night on @tfNUFC: Camera crews have been filming behind-the-scenes at Newcastle United for a four-part documentary to be shown on Amazon.
The series will chart the club & its owners as they attempt to win a trophy & qualify for The Champ League #NUFC— Keith Downie (@SkySports_Keith) February 8, 2023
Newcastle face Manchester United in the Carabao Cup final on February 26 at Wembley.
🗓️ 26.02.23@ManUtd 🆚 @NUFC #EFL | #CarabaoCup pic.twitter.com/V23zWPDoxP
— Carabao Cup (@Carabao_Cup) February 1, 2023
The Magpies have featured three times in Europe’s most prestigious competition.
Most recently in the 2003-04 season as they reached the third qualifying round, eventually losing on penalties to Serbian side FK Partizan.
The season before the Toon finished third in the 2002-03 Champions League group stages, winning twice against Bayer Leverkusen and drawing with Inter Milan 2-2 at the San Siro. The lineup that night; Given, Solano, O’Brien, Dyer, Shearer (C), Bellamy, Speed, Griffin, Hughes, Dabizas and Viana.
The series is expected to air later this year and will be available on Amazon Prime.
Based on previous seasons, you can expect exclusive access to training sessions, team meetings and match days, giving fans an in-depth look at what goes on behind the scenes on a day-to-day basis at Newcastle United.
It is set to be an incredible storyline and one that should provide fans with some real insight into what it takes to compete at the top level of professional football.
What do you think Newcastle fans?
Does this excite you or do you stand more with Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp who once said the cameras could be intrusive to the dressing room when he turned down the offer from Amazon In 2018?
Join the conversation on our Facebook page…
Sports
Newcastle target rejects Everton move following £45m bid.

Everton have made a £40million bid with £5m in add-ons to sign Connor Gallagher from Chelsea.
This comes after Newcastle completed the signing of Anthony Gordon, the club’s second most expensive transfer behind Alexander Isak.
Everton received an initial fee of £40m plus add-ons that could increase the deal to £45m.
EXCL: Everton have submitted a bid to sign Conor Gallagher from Chelsea. It’s £40m proposal plus £5m add ons. 🚨🔵 #EFC
Chelsea will make a decision soon as there are also other clubs interested in Gallagher — and player has to decide his future too. pic.twitter.com/xZeuGqaR01
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 30, 2023
The Toffees currently sit 19th in the Premier League and are looking to reinvest the money from the Gordon deal to sign much-needed players under newly appointed manager Sean Dyche.
But, multiple sources have reported today that Gallagher is not actively pushing for a move and has no intention of going to Goodison Park. However, with Chelsea having met the record-breaking €120m release clause for World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez, Gallagher may be forced to leave the club if the transfer is complete.
🚨| Conor Gallagher is not interested in a move to Everton 🔵 pic.twitter.com/0CYzXjBoBd
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) January 30, 2023
This leaves Newcastle an option as the player would prefer a move to a top-six club.
This morning, Eddie Howe said, “We’ll see what we can do to try & bring a player in. There’s no guarantees. In terms of permanent signings, it will be very difficult. We’ll look at a potential loan. But it’s got to be the right player & not one for the sake of it”.
Due to financial fair play, the only way Newcastle could sign the player is through a loan, with an obligation to buy the player for at least £45m, the same price they paid for Anthony Gordon.
Gallagher has been playing regular Premier League football over the last two seasons. Since returning to his parent club Chelsea, the 22-year-old has been linked with a move away to numerous Premier League clubs.
Last season he was named Crystal Palace’s Player of the Season by their fans. He also won the Player of the Month award twice, Goal of the Month once, and was awarded the Young Player of Year at the 2022 London Football Awards.
In the same season, he made 36 appearances scoring eight goals and registering three assists that earned Palace a 12th-place finish, one point behind Newcastle.
Have Your Say!
Would you want Newcastle to sign Conor Gallagher?
Does he start?
Let us know on our Facebook page!
-
Sports1 year ago
Newcastle transfer rumours as January window approaches
-
Best of North East1 year ago
Top 10: Date Ideas In Newcastle
-
News1 year ago
Local mum left with serious injuries after being spiked
-
Sports1 year ago
Rumours: How could Newcastle line-up after the January transfer window?
-
Featured1 year ago
North-East Collection Points For Ukraine Donations
-
Featured1 year ago
Humanitarian aid for Ukraine collection point in Newcastle
-
Sports1 year ago
Favourites to sign for Newcastle in January, according to SkyBet
-
Sports10 months ago
Six potential strikers that would improve Newcastle’s attack