Newcastle United have agreed ‘long-term deal’ - Ross Wilson’s next priority is clear

Newcastle United sporting director Ross Wilson already knows his next major contract move after tying Sven Botman down to a new ‘long-term’ deal with the club.

Botman had entered the final 18-months of his contract at St James’ Park before it was announced on Monday, his 26th birthday, that he had extended his stay on Tyneside. The Dutch defender has endured a couple of injury-hit seasons at the club, but it is hoped that he can put those issues behind him and rediscover the form he showed during his debut campaign in England.

Speaking to the club about his new contract, Botman said: “I'm really happy to sign this contract. This club has given me so much in the last three-and-a-half years.

“I've grown as a person and as a player here and I feel like I have so much more to give in the long term. That's why both parties are really happy with this decision and I'm looking forward to what's coming in the future here.”

Tying Botman down to a new deal was high on Wilson’s priority list during his first few months at the club following his move from Nottingham Forest. So what is the next main priority on Wilson’s to-do list?

Ross Wilson’s next major Newcastle United priority

Keeping the best players at the club will always be a priority for a sporting director and Botman’s new deal more than satisfies that demand. But at this moment in time, Newcastle United need more than simply keeping hold of their current squad.

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A defensive injury crisis has plagued them for a number of weeks and just when it had seemed that they had come through the worst of those injuries, both Fabian Schar and Tino Livramento picked up significant injuries that will sideline them for the foreseeable future. Botman’s return to fitness is a major boost, but he and Malick Thiaw cannot continue to play 90 minutes twice a week without adequate cover.

It is not ideal that Newcastle United will have to dip into the January transfer market to strengthen their defensive options, but they simply cannot risk ending the month without reinforcements. Their fixture list at the end of January and beginning of February is as demanding as they come and whilst they may have to pay a slight premium this month compared to summer - failure to strengthen Howe’s options may cost them more at the end of the season than it will in the short-term.

Whether they look to the loan market, options abroad or closer to home - even recalling Matt Targett would be a start - Wilson and the rest of the recruitment must be focused on the current and pretty desperate needs of the first-team this month.

A cautious approach to their transfer dealings in recent seasons has seen them keep their powder dry in January with a view to getting better value for money in the summer. Recent evidence, though, doesn’t indicate that policy always works.

Ask any Newcastle United fan what the best transfer window the club have had in recent seasons and they will all point towards the 2022 winter window. Yes, at that time PSR was not a concern, but it was a front-foot window which ensured they entered the summer with a strong foundation to strengthen again. That is the mindset the club needs to adopt this month.

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