Newcastle United went on a bit of a shopping spree during the summer transfer window and they’re currently sitting pretty in 11th place in the table. Despite all the new faces, Eddie Howe has been given the thumbs up to bring in even more players to the squad. After splashing the cash in the summer, it was always going to be a bit of a challenge for Howe and his team to get things rolling smoothly at St James’ Park.
The whole saga with Alexander Isak leaving for Liverpool at the last minute caused quite a stir and brought some unwanted negative attention to the club. But now, the Magpies need to focus on the future and try to build some momentum after a rocky start to the season. Nick Woltemade has been a solid addition to the team, becoming only the third player in Newcastle’s history to score in his first three Premier League home games, following in the footsteps of legends like Alan Shearer and Les Ferdinand.
Sitting in 11th place, Howe’s squad is looking to make strides in the upcoming months to put themselves in the running for a spot in Europe. The Saudi Private Investment Fund has reportedly told Howe that they want to steer clear of signing older players, a departure from the previous strategy that brought in the likes of Kieran Trippier and Dan Burn. Despite already bringing in top talents like Woltemade, Yoane Wissa, Jacob Ramsey, Aaron Ramsdale, Malick Thiaw, and Anthony Elanga, there’s still room for improvement in the squad, and Howe has the green light to make more signings if needed.
Boosting the front line is a top priority for Newcastle after letting Isak slip through their fingers. The Swedish striker was a key player for the Magpies and they’re feeling the absence of his goal-scoring prowess. While Wissa has been a great addition to the team, injuries have kept him sidelined, and his return in November is eagerly awaited. Woltemade has shown glimpses of his potential, with a stunning penalty kick in the previous game week, but there’s always room for more firepower.
Replacing a top-class player like Isak is no easy feat, as Tottenham Hotspur learned after selling Gareth Bale. Newcastle, however, are making smart moves by bringing in players with proven track records in the Premier League. If they decide to dip into the transfer market again, a Premier League-proven striker like Igor Thiago could be a great addition to the squad. While a striker might not be their top priority, adding more depth to the attack could pay off in the long run.
Securing contract extensions for key players is also on the agenda for Newcastle. Sandro Tonali has been in fine form since returning from a playing suspension, and fans are hopeful that the club can tie him down to a new deal. Alongside Tonali, players like Bruno Guimaraes, Tino Livramento, and Joelinton are also in line for contract extensions to keep them at the club for the long haul. The responsibility falls on the shoulders of the new sporting director, Ross Wilson, to secure these players’ futures at Newcastle.
While bringing in new signings is important, keeping hold of current stars is equally crucial for the club’s success. Wilson’s track record in spotting talent and making shrewd signings will be put to the test as Newcastle look to strengthen their squad for the challenges ahead. With the right mix of new signings and contract extensions, the Magpies could be on track for a successful season in the Premier League.
