Newcastle United face the most important January transfer window in their history after the Saudi-led takeover in October has given them the potential to strengthen the squad as they face a battle for survival.

The club have a reported £190million at their disposal but will have to spend it wisely which could be difficult in the current market, especially given the well-publicised wealth of the new owners.

The Magpies have just 11 points from their opening 19 games as the season reaches the midway point. Howe’s side sit 19th with the second-worst defensive record in the Premier League having shipped 42 goals so far this term.

It’s painfully obvious that Newcastle need to improve at the back and bring in a number of fresh faces to help bolster their chances of retaining the Premier League status come the end of the season.

However, with the recent injuries in attacking areas, the Magpies are also searching for a striker to replace the injury-prone Wilson while replicating his goalscoring record.

With the current situation at the club and the significant financial backing from the PIF and Co, it’s hard to make sense of all the rumours as almost every player in world of football has been linked with a move to Tyneside.

From the ridiculous; Mbappe, Haaland and Neymar, to the uninspiring (but perhaps more realistic); Steve Cook, Rob Holding and Mohamad Elneny; Newcastle have been linked with them all.

Reports suggest that Howe’s side are close to sealing a deal to bring Atletico full-back Kieran Trippier to St James’ Park which would help to encourage other players to move and become a key part of the clubs success moving forward.

First step – avoiding relegation…

How could the Toon line-up after the January transfer window?

GOALKEEPER

Newcastle have used three different ‘keepers so far this season: Martin Dubravka, Karl Darlow and Freddie Woodman. Those used have recorded the three worst save percentages in the Premier League (minimum four starts) so far this campaign. The stats make for terrible reading no matter what angle you look at them and it’s an area that needs to be strengthened both short and long term.

Every side needs a good goalkeeper, it’s not just about poor defending – top saves can gain your side valuable points by the end of the season.

Yes, a back line should protect their ‘keeper but if your ‘keeper is unable to stop most of the shots at goal, then what chance do you have. Confidence is massive in football and having confidence in your number one can make all the difference.

GK: Dene Henderson

The Manchester United man is considered one of the leading prospects in the English game and has starred for the Red Devils on a number of occasions. He has already shown his Premier League ability and helped United to a second place finish last campaign.

This year he seems to be back in the shadows of Spanish stopper David de Gea and is rumoured to want a move away from the Manchester club for a new challenge and to become first choice once again. 

DEFENCE

LB: Jamal Lewis

Given Jamal Lewis will hopefully return later this month and the gaping holes in the centre of defence and at centre forward, make it probably not the focus of energy right now, unless the right player becomes available and is willing.

The volume of links for Newcastle United left back compared to centre back probably mirrors this conclusion in terms of transfer activity right now. Javi Manquillo is likely to fill-in for the injured Lewis who is expected to be back in the next couple of weeks.

Credit: @JamalLewis Instagram

The injury to star striker Callum Wilson makes strengthening attacking areas has become the priority at the club, as well as the centre-back spot. After the failed attempt to bring Lucas Digne to SJP it seems that the Magpies are going to have to manage in the left-back position as the club focuses on other areas.

Lewis had a short run in the side under Howe before his injury and put in some decent performances as fans enjoyed seeing him at left-back. He has ability going forward and is an attacking option at full-back – with Trippier on the right and the signing of Chris Wood from Burnley, the team are likely to rely on their wide defenders to provide opportunities for the new target-man.

CB: Diego Carlos

The demanding centre-back played a key role in Sevilla’s Europa League success over Wolves and Manchester United a couple of years ago and is on the radar for a number of Premier League clubs.

Despite Newcastle sitting in 19th and staring down the barrel of relegation, having won just once in the first half of the season, the club have plenty to offer after the takeover in October. The signing of Trippier might encourage other high-profile players to take the leap and join the exciting project, with Diego Carlos being a potential signing for the club in the coming weeks.

Sevilla are expected to make a huge profit on the £13.5 million they paid Nantes for Carlos in 2019, with his market value now beyond £30m, which is likely to increase as clubs enter a bidding war to secure his signature.

The 28-year-old Sevilla defender would be a hugely impressive signing for Newcastle and would send a message across European football that the club means business in January and other transfer windows in the future.

Carlos is highly sought after and has been rumoured to want a move away from La Liga. With Newcastle’s bid for Botman rejected earlier in the week, the Brazilian centre-back could be a potential target for the Magpies and might be interested in a move due to the exciting nature of the project at SJP.

CB: Benoit Badiashile

Sky Sports have today reported that Newcastle are still interested in signing 20-year-old Monaco academy graduate Benoit Badiashile, who has become a key part of the French sides defence this campaign.

France U21 international Badiashile is valued around £35m and negotiations are ongoing as Newcastle run a number of parallel negotiations as discussions are reportedly continuing with Sevilla for 28-year-old Brazilian Diego Carlos.

At the age of 20, Badiashile has already amassed over 100 appearances for Monaco who at the time of writing this article sit seventh in Ligue 1. There is no denying Badiashile’s ability as a centre-back and he seems to be destined to secure a big-money move in the future.

Credit – BSR Agency via Getty Images… Magpies interested in Monaco centre-back

RB: Kieran Trippier

The 31-year-old full-back played a crucial role in Atletico’s title winning season last year and has plenty of Premier League experience.

Trippier played under Howe at Burnley in his time at Turf Moore and was a key part of England’s 2018 World Cup campaign in Russia, scoring that memorable free-kick in the semi-final.

Sky Sports have today reported a deal with Atleti is close but the club’s are yet to agree on a final price for the right-back.

Atletico Madrid turned down Man Utd’s bid for Trippier of around £14m last summer but with the 31-year-old keen on a move back to his country of birth, Newcastle United are closing in on a deal to bring him to St James’ Park.

Credit: Soccer.ru/ Антон Зайцев – Trippier ‘close’ to NUFC move…

He would certainly improve things at the back and is expected to be the first of a number of fresh faces to move to Newcastle in January.

MIDFIELD

LM/LW: Allan Saint-Maximin

Saint-Maximin was back to his best last time out against Man Utd at SJP and lit the stadium up at times with his brilliant dribbling display.

The Frenchman’s ability to beat a man is unmatched in the Premier League and with reinforcements expected at the back, the winger will have even more confidence and freedom to run at the opposition and create opportunities for his team-mates.

The 24-year-old has quickly become a fan-favourite on Tyneside and will have a huge role to play in the second half of the season as Newcastle battle to remain in the Premier League.

LCM: Joelinton

The Brazilian has been Newcastle’s best player under new boss Eddie Howe and completely ran the show last time out at SJP against Manchester United.

He works hard for the team and has turned into a box-to-box midfielder who is everywhere for his side, both defensively and in attacking areas. The 25-year-old deserves to keep his place in the side and could play a vital role in keeping Newcastle in the Premier League by breaking up opposition play and helping his side transition defence into attack.

His re-birth as a midfielder has been incredible as he’s turned things around on the pitch – Newcastle fans are excited to see if his form continues in the second half of the season.

CM/CDM: Boubacar Kamara

Newcastle are expected to make a dramatic bid to sign Marseille midfielder Boubacar Kamara from under the noses of Premier League rivals, according to the Sun on Sunday.

Credit: Supporterhéninois

He would massively improve the side in the defensive midfield department and is deemed as one for the future, available at over £20million.

Kamara would provide some much-needed depth in the centre-back position and is another player who’s contract is set to run out at the end of the season. French giants OM will be open to offers in January to avoid losing one of their star assets for nothing.

The 21-year-old has made over 100 appearances for current club Marseille in his short career so far and is tipped to be one for the future.

He can play in both centre-back and defensive midfield. Kamara is tipped to become better than the likes of Lascelles and Hayden who play those positions but might need time to develop.

RCM: Aaron Ramsey

His £400,000k a-week salary could be make or break for some clubs and puts Newcastle at the top of the list to sign him following the Saudi-led takeover of the club.

His experience of the English game and versatility in the midfield could help change the fortunes of Newcastle this season. Ramsey is expected to be available for around £10m but his high-wage might put a lot of clubs off chasing his signature.

Credit: Aaron Ramsey Instagram – the midfielder has been in great form for his country

The ex Arsenal midfielder moved to the Serie A on a free transfer in 2019 after spending ten years at the North London club. 

After lengthy spells on the sidelines he is yet to form a friendly relationship with Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri he is thought to want a move away from Turin and back to the Premier League.

RM/RW: Ryan Fraser

Fraser has played well since the arrival of Eddie Howe and had his best game in the black and white last time out against the Red Devils. His work rate and pressing are something Newcastle need if they are to have a successful second half of the season.

With other areas needing desperate investment, the RM/RW area is not top-priority and the Magpies are unlikely to bring in reinforcements in that position. As a result, if Fraser can continue his decent form that position may become his.

Howe is a big fan of the Scottish international who has the characteristics and personality to become a fan-favourite on Tyneside if he works hard and battles for the team.

He has the ability to provide a number of opportunities for his teammates and has shown his crossing skills in previous years, especially in his time at Bournemouth under Howe.

STRIKERS

ST: Chris Wood

Wood has become Newcastle’s second highest transfers after his move to St James’ Park and will be looking to make the perfect start on Saturday. The move severely weakens relegation rivals who have been left frustrated by the transfer after the 30-year-old wanted a move away from Lancashire.

The New Zealander has scored 49 goals in 144 Premier League games for the East Lancashire side, achieving double figures in all four of his seasons in claret and blue – he is one of five players in the Premier League to do so.

It is a smart move from the Magpies, who have not only strengthened their own ranks but directly weakened a relegation rival in Burnley, who both sit on just 11 points in the Premier League heading into the second half of the season.

(Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Wood is massive presence up-front and likes to get stuck in – two qualities the Geordie faithful love to see and they will love it even more if the 6ft2in striker nets against relegation rivals Watford on Saturday.

He is out-of-favour with manager Arteta and is rumoured to want to stay in the Premier League – he is definitely not an option for a permanent move but beggars can’t be choosers in this situation.

Newcastle might utilise the loan market to help them retain their Premier League status come the end of the season. If so, they are likely to source a striker to replace the injury prone Wilson, who is sidelined for a significant period of time.

Wilson will return and might need a striker partner to help score some important goals and keep his side in the Premier League. Watch this space…

HOW DOES THIS LOOK ON PAPER?

OTHER OPTIONS

CB – Nico Schlotterbeck

Freiburg star Schlotterbeck has been linked with a move to Tyneside by Sky Sports and could become Newcastle’s new top target if they continue to struggle to make ground in their deal for the Lille defender.

The German defender stands 6ft 3′ tall and has received praise for his dominance in the air and ability to carry the ball out from the back. Freiburg have the joint-best defensive record in the Bundesliga with league leaders Bayern.

CB – Bremer

The Torino defender has come into Newcastle’s sights as a centre-back option this month, with the Magpies keen to land two central defenders before the window closes.

The club have abandoned attempts to sign Sven Botman from Lille and are working on other targets, with Bremer now key to their thoughts.

CM – James Ward-Prowse

Southampton’s dead-ball maestro who has always felt destined for a big move one day – could a role as the linchpin of the Toon Army’s first iteration of newly-moneyed galacticos tempt him into leaving his boyhood club?

He is a key part of the Saint midfield and would add some much-needed quality at dead-ball situations for the Magpies who need to utilise every attacking opportunity they get if they are to achieve Premier League safety.

CAM – Dele Alli

The 25-year-old England international has been out of favour for a number of months at Tottenham Hotspur and is yet to reach the same heights of previous years under new boss Antonio Conte.

Newcastle are one of a number of clubs linked with the attacking midfielder who has shown in the past his Premier League ability. There is still time for him to rekindle his carer on tyneside and he could play a key role in Howe’s side.

CM – Aaron Ramsey

His £400,000k a-week salary could be make or break for some clubs and puts Newcastle at the top of the list to sign him following the Saudi-led takeover of the club.

His experience of the English game and versatility in the midfield could help change the fortunes of Newcastle this season. Ramsey is expected to be available for around £10m but his high-wage might put a lot of clubs off chasing his signature.

RM/RWB – Tariq Lamptey

Lamptey would be a great option for Newcastle moving forward and might be tempted by a move to Tyneside in the future.

The energetic English winger/wing-back is highly thought of in the English game and has been in fantastic form for Brighton this season.

He has recently signed a contract extension on the South-Coast until 2024 and unlikely to leave the club, despite being at Chelsea before his move to Sussex.

ST – Ben Brereton Diaz

Another forward linked is Ben Brereton Diaz, who has enjoyed a stunning season to date with Blackburn Rovers after netting 20 goals in just 25 Championship appearances.

The Sunday Mirror claim the Magpies are lining up a £20m bid for the Chile striker, although Tony Mowbray has ruled out a January departure for the 22-year-old.

ST – Hugo Ekitike

Ekitike has scored eight goals in 17 Ligue 1 appearances this season and is on the radar of a number of Premier League teams, with Newcastle the only club to have opened official talks with the the 19-year-old.

He has undoubtedly been one of the breakout stars in France’s top flight so far this season, with his emergence coming just a matter of months after he was given his first professional start for Stade Reims.

Newcastle’s first “informal offer” is understood to fall slightly short of what Reims want for the player. It’s thought Reims’ asking price is in the region of £30million.

Thoughts?

Who would you like to see Newcastle sign in January? Will Howe do good enough business to keep the Magpies in the Premier League?

Join in the conversation and have your say…