AI predicts the end of Newcastle United January transfer window as £46m duo signed
We've tasked Grok to predict how the end of Newcastle United's January transfer window could look.
The end of the January transfer window is in sight, but Newcastle United are yet to make a significant move in the market.
The likes of Yoane Wissa, Nick Woltemade, Anthony Elanga and Malick Thiaw arrived during the summer in what turned out to be a lavish spending spree, fuelled largely by the sale of Alexander Isak to Liverpool for a British record fee.
However, the Magpies have been inconsistent at best this season, with their 0-0 draw against bottom side Wolves last weekend leaving them eighth in the table, three points off the top four. What’s more, Eddie Howe’s squad continues to be ravaged by injury, with the likes of Tino Livramento, Dan Burn, Sven Botman and Jacob Murphy out at various points of the season - while Bruno Guimaraes worryingly limped off in the Champions League against PSV on Wednesday.
The Gazette has launched a new WhatsApp NUFC channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone. Simply click this link to join our NUFC WhatsApp channel.
With all that in mind, Howe could probably do with a few new faces in the door. But who could Newcastle sign, and who might they show the exit door to help fund further transfers? To answer those questions, we’ve turned to X’s AI chatbot, Grok.
AI predicts the rest of Newcastle United’s January transfer window
Transfer in: Tiago Gabriel (US Lecce, £18million)
Grok: The 21-year-old Portuguese centre-back represents an ideal young, ball-playing addition to address Newcastle's depleted back line, where long-term absences for Fabian Schär (ankle surgery, months out), Tino Livramento (knee), Emil Krafth (knee), and recurring issues for Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles have left the defence vulnerable and reliant on Malick Thiaw and Lewis Hall. Gabriel offers versatility (centre-back with full-back cover), strong progressive passing, aerial ability, and composure on the ball—fitting Eddie Howe's build-from-the-back style while reducing average squad age. Scouting reports and links confirm Newcastle's interest in him as a priority defensive target this window.
Transfer out: Emil Krafth (£3.5million)
Grok: The experienced right-back/centre-back has been sidelined for much of the season (ongoing knee issues contributing to extended absences), with Tino Livramento (when fit), Kieran Trippier, and others preferred in defensive roles. At 31, Krafth offers reliability but faces minimal first-team prospects amid squad evolution and injury recovery timelines. A move to a Championship or mid-table side would grant regular minutes, suiting his experience level. For Newcastle, this frees wages and squad space, generating modest funds from a saleable asset while streamlining numbers for PSR considerations.
Transfer in: Kees Smit (AZ Alkmaar, £28million)
Grok: The 20-year-old Dutch midfielder is a highly-rated creative talent who could add depth and future-proofing to Newcastle's engine room, where Bruno Guimarães' recent twisted ankle (avoiding serious damage but a race against time) and the heavy workload on Sandro Tonali, Joelinton, and Lewis Miley highlight the need for quality rotation. Smit excels in progressive passing, vision, and box arrivals, offering a dynamic No.8 profile to complement the existing balance without overlapping on defensive duties. Multiple reports confirm Newcastle have "tried and tried" for him this window amid interest from elite clubs, making him a realistic ambitious target, despite AZ's reluctance for a mid-season sale.
Transfer out: Joe Willock (£15million)
Grok: The midfielder has struggled for consistent involvement, restricted to substitute roles in a crowded engine room featuring Bruno Guimarães (pivotal despite recent ankle concern), Sandro Tonali, Joelinton, and emerging talents like Lewis Miley. With higher-rated options dominating central areas and limited minutes, Willock's development risks stagnation. At 26, a fresh start elsewhere (perhaps a mid-table Premier League or Championship club) would revive his career. Selling him would provide significant funds from a player with resale value, trim the wage bill, and create space for reinforcements without weakening the midfield core. This strategic sale supports squad optimisation amid financial constraints and defensive priorities.
Your next Newcastle United read: NUFC deliver transfer message after dressing room feeling made clear