Transfer Window - Busy January Ahead?

We are now halfway through the season, a few weeks ago Newcastle looked comfortable, but in recent games, cracks have started to appear. Diamé, Atsu and Mbemba are all set to depart for the African Cup Of Nations, and with Shelvey serving his five-match suspension; the Magpies are lacking serious quality in midfield.

As usual, a number of players are being linked with a move to Tyneside, but the January transfer window can prove to be a very difficult window to operate in due to the high wages and inflated transfer fees. Signing players on loan seems like a more feasible option for Benítez, but can we also expect to see some departures, including a fans’ favourite?

In October, it was reported that Newcastle were already planning ahead for the January transfer window, but with United’s dip in form and surrendering top-spot, the transfer market could be busier than first anticipated.

Players linked with Newcastle and would they be a good fit?

Tom Cleverley – CM – Age: 27

The Everton midfielder has strongly been linked with a move to Newcastle on loan. Out-of-favour on Merseyside by Ronald Koeman, the former Manchester United and England international has the opportunity to resurrect his career by dropping a division down and helping the Geordies cement their promotion to the Premier League.

In Shelvey’s absence, Colback has taken over the vacancy, but the once-dubbed “Ginger Pirlo” has failed to control the midfield and struggles to add energy when required. Continuous slowing down of the game and mistimed tackles in dangerous areas are the reasons on why the faithful simply believe he’s not good enough. With Hayden clearly being Newcastle’s first choice as a defensive-minded midfielder, Cleverley will add the creativity and attacking impetus.

Verdict: Good signing – would show his class in the Championship and add creative spark.

Fabian Delph – CM – Age: 27

As soon as Guardiola arrived at Manchester City, the future of Delph looked bleak. A possible loan move has also been reported, but a host of clubs are also battling it out for his signature. With the likes of De Bruyne, Fernandinho, Yaya Touré and Fernando ahead in the pecking order, Delph is another player looking to kick-start his career.

Delph would add a lot of quality to Newcastle’s midfield, but isn’t as attack-minded as Cleverley. Capped 9 times by England, there is no doubt that the City midfielder will be able to dictate play and would be head and shoulders above most in the Championship. The former Villa man doesn’t have the same passing range or precision as Shelvey, but is a huge threat when running with the ball from deep.

Verdict: Extremely good signing – too good for the Championship, but he needs a move to save his international career.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek – CM – Age: 20

An extremely talented footballer, Loftus-Cheek broke into the Chelsea side two years ago and is highly regarded at Stamford Bridge. He featured more for Chelsea last season, appearing 17 times and scoring 2 goals. Since the arrival of Conte, it seems the Blues are willing to let him go out on loan to gain further experience. A move to Newcastle has been touted, but this could come under the promise that he gets more game time.

Loftus-Cheek would add legs to Newcastle’s midfield and would have no issues in adapting to the physical nature of the Championship. Playing in front of a full house and under the tutelage of Rafael Benítez, this loan move would be ideal for both Chelsea and Loftus-Cheek.

Verdict: Good signing – very athletic and would add a different style to our play.

Callum Wilson – STR – Age: 24

Played in the Championship with Bournemouth and got them promoted to the Premier League by bagging 20 goals in 2014/15. Wilson made a great start in his first season in the Premier League, scoring 5 in 7 before his season was cut short with a cruciate ligament rupture. The serious injury has hampered his development and it took him a few games before he found the net again. A very bright striker with an eye for goal, Wilson currently has 5 goals this season, but could see his minutes on the pitch reduced after Afobé announced that he will not be going to the African Cup Of Nations.

Wilson is reportedly interested in a move to Tyneside, but a move for the Cherries striker can only be envisaged if Mitrović was to depart. With Benítez opting to play one up front this season in Gayle, it is hard to see where Wilson will fit in, especially as he would want guarantees of first-team football. Interest in Mitrović is starting to pick up and Newcastle have already reportedly rebuffed one enquiry. The Serbian hasn’t played as many games as he would’ve liked, but it seems he still remains in Benítez’s plans and is expected to start against Birmingham in the FA Cup.

Verdict: Good signing – will definitely score goals in the Championship and has previous experience in this division.

Nicolas Pépé – RW – Age: 21

The Ivorian can play on the right-wing or as a striker. He is currently at Ligue 1 side Angers and has impressed a number of scouts this season. Fast and direct, Pépé will be away in January with Ivory Coast, and there’s an outside chance of Newcastle going for him in this window.

Benítez has highlighted that another winger is required at St. James’ Park. With Aarons injured and Atsu away on international duty, the Magpies only have Ritchie as their out-and-out winger. Despite salvaging his Newcastle career, Gouffran just doesn’t offer the same as a natural winger would. Ameobi has been recalled from his loan spell at Bolton, but there are still major doubts on whether he has the ability to succeed at Newcastle.

Verdict: A decent player, but would be unavailable during the most part of January. The club should keep an eye on his development and revisit in the summer.

January Thoughts

It is crucial that we strengthen in this window, recent games have shown that Newcastle aren’t the finished article in this division and Brighton will be right up there until the very end. The transfer market has opened at a good time and we must take advantage of that. Signing a creative central midfielder and a winger is paramount, due to Shelvey’s suspension and the African Cup Of Nations; we are all of a sudden weak in midfield. Diamé’s absence may mean Ayoze taking up his position, but it’s a position the Spaniard struggles in. Colback doesn’t offer us anything; if we can get some quality and numbers in that position, then he may eventually follow Tioté out the exit door.

A player we haven’t been linked with, but I would like us to go for is Barnsley’s Conor Hourihane. The midfielder has been scintillating this season with 5 goals and 12 assists; his performances have attracted a number of scouts from both the Premier League and Championship.

Benítez confirmed that Ameobi will return from his loan spell, however, it is very hard to see what sort of impact the 24-year-old will have – for me, he is definitely not the answer and we need to look for a winger that can not only help us in the Championship, but has the qualities to do well in the Premier League.

In regards to departures, Mitrović has been linked with a move away from St. James’ Park. In my opinion, the former Anderlecht striker still has a key part to play; this January period – due to the unavailability of players – could see Benítez slightly alter the formation and play Gayle and Mitrović together. The big man hasn’t featured that much this season – only starting 6 times (including EFL Cup) – with 5 goals; he definitely can add to that tally if given the chance. Letting him go in January would be a big mistake. Cheick Tioté was close to leaving a couple of times last summer, however that never materialised. With a number of clubs showing interest from abroad, it seems Tioté will finally be leaving during this window.

I don’t anticipate any major departures, but there are still a handful of players that will fail to make the grade if we were to be promoted back to the top flight. The likes of Colback, Dummett and a number of players out on loan are simply not good enough to be involved in Newcastle’s long-term plan.