'The worst' - Newcastle United deliver fresh transfer message after defender makes feelings clear
Newcastle United transfers: Eddie Howe is keeping his cool as the club heads into the final week of the transfer window without any new signings.
It’s been three years since Newcastle United last made a successful move in the January transfer window - and that spell looks set to extend as things stand.
The £45million signing of Anthony Gordon from Everton in 2023 was Newcastle’s last major signing during the winter transfer window.
And after a near £250million spend on new signings in the summer, The Magpies’ budget is limited this window.
Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe claimed last week that the club don’t have the ‘financial ability’ to make any attacking additions this month. The prospect of signing a defender is still being explored but time is running out.
The transfer window closes at 7pm on Monday, February 2nd.
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Eddie Howe ‘relaxed’ about NUFC transfers
After a hectic summer transfer window which saw the club sign Anthony Elanga, Aaron Ramsdale, Malick Thiaw, Jacob Ramsey, Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa while also selling Alexander Isak for a Premier League record £130million fee, this winter window has been far less eventful or stressful for Newcastle.
But injury issues in defence has had the club assessing its options, with a loan recall for Matt Targett from Middlesbrough even discussed. Newcastle beat PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League, starting the four fit senior defenders they have available in Lewis Hall, Kieran Trippier, Malick Thiaw and Sven Botman.
Dan Burn has now returned to full training while Tino Livramento and Fabian Schar are facing extended spells on the sidelines. Emil Krafth has been out for over two months with a knee injrury while Jamaal Lascelles has not been involved with the first team squad since the defeat at Brentford in early November.
On transfers, Howe said: “No, I'm not panicking. I think that is the worst thing you can do in the transfer market is make rash decisions.
“So I think we have our strategy. I'll say it time and again. PSR is controlling what we're able to do. And I think you'll understand that gives us limited room to manoeuvre, to try and bring a player in that's good enough to elevate the group and to have a long-term future at the football club.
“With the finances we have available, it's very, very difficult. So let's see what happens in the last few days. I mean, anything can happen from this point onwards, but certainly we will try not to panic and we'll try and make the right decisions.”
The dressing room view on Newcastle United transfers
Earlier this week, Newcastle defender Botman went firm on his stance regarding further additions to the squad this month.
“We have a really good squad,” the Dutchman explained. “Of course we had some problems with injuries, especially in defense, but when everybody’s fit we have a really strong squad.
“Maybe there’s [something happening] behind the scenes or maybe not, but myself, I don’t see any reason why we have to sign a new player now.”
After the match against Aston Villa, Newcastle travel to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Wednesday night for their final league phase match. The Magpies are still competing for a top eight spot following their 3-0 win over PSV.
After the trip to France, the fixtures keep coming thick and fast for Howe’s side with a trip to Liverpool next up in the Premier League the following Saturday.