At the start of the current campaign there were hopes that Newcastle United could rediscover the form that saw them qualify for the Champions League in 2022/23.
Without the distraction of European football, the Magpies had an advantage over their Premier League rivals, but their 2024/25 campaign was far from a bed of roses.
Newcastle has been hot and cold all season. They have beaten Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, as well as drawing with Liverpool and Manchester City. However, they have too often dropped points in winnable games, including games against West Ham United, Crystal Palace and Everton.
Still, Eddie Howe’s side are in a strong position to attack the second half of the campaign. They are just five points behind current fourth-placed Nottingham Forest and have a Carabao Cup semi-final to look forward to early in the year. With some additions in January, they could enjoy a memorable campaign.
Here are the areas Newcastle You could aim for the winter window.
Newcastle were desperate to strengthen their centre-backs over the summer. They acquired Lloyd Kelly on a free transfer but failed in their attempt to recruit a renowned defender capable of fitting effortlessly into their backline.
Long-term injuries to Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles only intensified the need for reinforcements, with Fabian Schar and Dan Burn having to hold down the fort down the stretch last season. They have been the preferred centre-back pairing out of necessity after a summer without a major centre-back signing.
January offers an opportunity for Newcastle to dip back into the market for a bright new defender, although the upcoming returns of Botman and Lascelles ease the pressure on the recruiting team.
Key objectives
Newcastle were eager to sign Marc Guehi above any other defender during the summer, but Numerous offers for the Crystal Palace centre-back were rejected.. However, the Magpies could fight for the England international again in January and are hopeful of landing him. a reduction in its value.
According to reports in France, Newcastle are also in a good position to sign the Lens centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov in January. The 20-year-old Uzbek defender would likely command between £20m and £25m.
There are also suggestions that the Magpies could launch a pursuit for the former Chelsea centre-back. Fikayo Tomori in the winter. The Milan centre-back and England international could be available for just £25million.
Newcastle has some impressive options in wide areas. Anthony Gordon is one of the most exciting wingers in the Premier League and 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 tremendously impressive season despite not being the most glamorous name on the team’s roster.
However, there is a feeling that the right flank remains an area in need of quite urgent improvements. Newcastle lack depth on that particular flank, a problem that could be exacerbated by the possible departure of Miguel Almirón during the January window.
To fight for qualification to the Champions League and the national cup, another quality option on the right wing could be crucial.
Key objectives
Newcastle did not sign any wingers over the summer and actually lost Yankuba Minteh as they attempted to comply with profit and sustainability regulations. However, they could make a move to Johan Bakayoko in January, when the Belgian and PSV Eindhoven winger had been of interest to the European elite for some time.
The left-footed striker, who is only 21, looks the most likely attacking signing for the Magpies in the January window.
There have been reports suggesting that Newcastle have an interest in the impressive Southampton teenager. Tyler Dibling. The youngster, who can play in a variety of positions, has been pretty much the only bright spark for the Saints this season after coming out of the academy.
However, he could be an expensive addition, with former Saints coach Russell Martin claiming Dibling’s reported price tag of £21m wouldn’t even be enough. “get your left foot”.
Newcastle already has one of the most interesting forwards in Europe. Alexander Isak has once again demonstrated his ruthlessness and elite quality during the 2024/25 season, with more than ten goals in all competitions. However, options are slim for the Magpies beyond their exceptional Swede.
Callum Wilson’s injury problems have continued to plague him this season and the striker has made just four Premier League appearances. He is currently back in the treatment room and likely won’t feature again until February, with an exit on a free transfer this summer looking increasingly likely.
Newcastle signed highly-rated Danish under-21 international William Osula for £15m in the summer but have yet to win over Howe, with the Magpies perhaps recruiting a new sharpshooter this January.
Key objectives
Newcastle is not the only club that is closely following the Eintracht Frankfurt forward Omar Marmush. The Egyptian has been sensational this season, scoring 18 goals in all competitions so far, and the 25-year-old has already won the Bundesliga Player of the Month award twice this season. Liverpool have also been linked.
Bryan Mbeumowho can play as a winger or striker, has also been touted with a move to Tyneside, but getting him out of Brentford midway through the campaign would be a big challenge.
Newcastle have recently been linked with a move for youngster PAOK Stefanos Tzimas after an impressive loan with Nuremberg. However, the Greek striker would be a project player and could be loaned out if the Magpies secure his signature.
