Newcastle January 2025 transfer wishlist
There were hopes at the start of the current campaign 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 boasted an advantage over their Premier League rivals, but their 2024/25 campaign has been far from plain sailing.
Newcastle has blown hot and cold all season. They have beaten Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, while also managing draws with Liverpool and Manchester City. However, they have too often dropped points in winnable games, even in games with West Ham United, Crystal Palace and Everton.
Still, Eddie Howe’s side are in a strong position to attack in the second half of the campaign. They are just five points behind fourth-placed Nottingham Forest and have a Carabao Cup semi-final to look forward to at the start of the new year. With a few January additions, they were able to enjoy a memorable campaign.
Here are the zones Newcastle could point to the winter window.
Newcastle were desperate to add to their centre-backs in the summer. They acquired 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 intensified the need for reinforcements, with Fabian Schar and Dan Burn having to hold down the fort last season. They have been the center back partnership of choice out of necessity after a summer without a major center back signing.
January offers Newcastle the chance to return to the market for a bright new defender, although the imminent returns of Botman and Lascelles ease the pressure on the recruitment team.
Key objectives
Newcastle were keen to sign him Marc Guehi above any other defender during the summer but saw numerous offers rejected for the Crystal Palace centre-back. However, the Magpies could push for the England international again in January and are hoping a reduction in its value.
According to reports in France, Newcastle are also in a strong position to sign the Lens centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov in January The 20-year-old Uzbekistan defender would likely fetch between £20m and £25m.
There are also suggestions the Magpies could reignite their pursuit of the former Chelsea centre-back Fikayo Tomori in the 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 most exciting wingers in the Premier League and has recently signed a new deal 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 sheet.
However, there is a feeling that the right flank is still an area that needs improvement rather urgently. Newcastle lack depth on this particular flank, a problem that could be exacerbated by the potential departure of Miguel Almiron in the January window.
To push for Champions League and domestic cup qualification, another quality option on the right wing could be crucial.
Key objectives
Newcastle did not sign a winger in the summer and in fact 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 who has long interested the European elite.
The left-handed forward, who is only 21, looks the most likely attacking signing for the Magpies in the January window.
There have been reports suggesting that Newcastle are interested in the sensational Southampton teenager Tyler Dibling. The youngster, who can play in a variety of positions, has been almost the only bright spark for Saints this season after coming out of the academy.
However, he could be an expensive addition, with former Saints manager Russell Martin claiming that Dibling’s £21m price tag would not even be “take your left foot”.
Newcastle already have one of the most exciting strikers in Europe. Alexander Isak has once again shown his ruthlessness and elite quality during the 2024/25 season, with more than ten goals in all competitions. However, options are few and far between for the Magpies beyond their outstanding Swede.
Callum Wilson’s injuries have continued to plague him this season and the striker has only played four Premier League games. 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 in the summer, but are yet to land Howe, with the Magpies perhaps set to sign a new shot-stopper this January.
Key objectives
Newcastle are not the only club currently tracking the Eintracht Frankfurt forward 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 the Bundesliga Player of the Month twice this season. Liverpool have also been linked.
Bryan Mbeumowho can feature as a winger or forward, has also been touted with a move to Tyneside, but prying him away from Brentford midway through the campaign would be very difficult.
Newcastle have recently been linked with a move for the PAOK youngster Stefanos Tzimas after an impressive loan spell with Nuremberg. However, the Greek striker would be a project player and could be loaned out if the Magpies secure his signature.
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