There were hopes at the start of the current campaign that Newcastle United could rediscover the form that saw them qualify for the 2022/23 Champions League.
Without the distraction of European football, the Magpies boasted an advantage over their Premier League rivals, but their 2024/25 campaign. it was far from ordinary sailing.
It has been hot and cold in Newcastle throughout the season. They beat Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, while also drawing with Liverpool and Manchester City. However, they dropped points too often in winnable matches, including against West Ham United, Crystal Palace and Everton.
However, Eddie Howe’s side are in a good position to attack in the second half of the campaign. They are just five points behind current fourth-placed Nottingham Forest and look forward to the Carabao Cup semi-finals at the start of the new year. With a few January additions, they could enjoy an unforgettable campaign.
Here are the areas Newcastle could aim in the winter window.
Newcastle were desperate to add to their centre-backs in the summer. They signed Lloyd Kelly on a free transfer but failed in their bid to recruit a big-name defender capable of slotting effortlessly into their backline.
Long-term injuries to Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles only increased the need for reinforcements, and Fabian Schar and Dan Burn had to hold down the fort until the end of last season. They were the preferred centre-back partnership due to a need after a summer without a significant centre-back signing.
January offers Newcastle the chance to return to the market for a hot new defender, although the impending returns of Botman and Lascelles ease the pressure on the squad for recruitment.
Key objectives
Newcastle were eager to sign him Marc Guehi above any other defenseman during the summer, but saw numerous offers for the Crystal Palace centre-back rejected. However, the Magpies could be in the running for the England international again in January and they hope so reducing its value.
Newcastle are also in a good position to sign the Lens centre-back, according to reports in France Abdukodir Husanov in January. The 20-year-old Uzbekistan defender would likely command a fee of between £20m and £25m.
There are also suggestions that the Magpies could begin their pursuit of the former Chelsea centre-back Fikayo Tomori in winter. The Milan centre-back and England international could be available for as little as £25m.
Newcastle has some impressive options in wide areas. Anthony Gordon is one of the Premier League’s most exciting wingers and has recently signed a new contract at St James’ Park. Harvey Barnes has proven to be an excellent option when fit. Jacob Murphy has enjoyed a very impressive season despite not being the most glamorous name on the team’s roster.
However, there is a sense that the right flank is still an area that needs improvement rather urgently. Newcastle lack depth on that flank – a problem that could be exacerbated by the potential departure of Miguel Almiron during the January window.
For the selection of Champions League qualifiers and silverware in the domestic cup, another quality option on the right wing could be crucial.
Key objectives
Newcastle didn’t sign any wings in the summer and actually lost Yankuba Minteh as they tried to comply with profit and sustainability regulations. However, they could make a move Johan Bakayoko in January, with PSV Eindhoven and the Belgian winger having long interested Europe’s elite.
The left-footed forward, who is just 21, appears the most likely attacking signing for the Magpies in the January window.
There have been reports suggesting Newcastle are interested in Southampton’s impressive teenager Tyler Dibling. The youngster, who can play in a variety of positions, has been the only bright spark for the Saints this season after leaving the academy.
However, he could be an expensive addition, with former Saints manager Russell Martin claiming that Dibling’s reported price of £21m would not even “take his left leg”.
Newcastle already boast one of Europe’s most exciting strikers. Alexander Isak once again showed his ruthlessness and elite quality during the 2024/25 season, with already over ten goals in all competitions. However, the options for the Magpies are slim apart from their exceptional Swede.
Callum Wilson’s injury problems continue to plague him this season, with the striker playing just four games in the Premier League. He is currently back in the treatment room and is unlikely to feature again until February, with an exit on a free transfer this summer looking increasingly likely.
Newcastle signed highly-rated Denmark Under-21 international William Osula for £15m this summer, but he is yet to beat Howe and the Magpies may be looking to recruit a new striker this January.
Key objectives
Newcastle is not the only club currently monitoring the Eintracht Frankfurt striker Omar Marmoush. The Egyptian has been sensational this season, scoring 18 goals in all competitions so far, and the 25-year-old has already won Bundesliga Player of the Month twice this season. Liverpool have also been linked.
Bryan Mbeumowho can feature as a winger or striker, has also been touted for a move to Tyneside, but prying him away from Brentford midway through the campaign would be extremely difficult.
Newcastle have recently been linked with a move to PAOK Stefanos Tzimas after an impressive loan spell with Nurnberg. However, the Greek forward would be a project player and could be loaned out should the Magpies secure his signature.
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