Newcastle United find themselves navigating a demanding winter period, and while results have improved following a lacklustre start, Eddie Howe and his recruitment team will undoubtedly be targeting reinforcements when the transfer window opens.
But which areas most urgently need addressing? Here, Transfer News Blitz writer Mosaddek Abu explains where the Magpies look vulnerable – and where January additions could make the biggest impact.
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Full-Backs
Newcastle’s performances this season have highlighted just how important their full-backs are to Howe’s system.
The team struggled significantly in the absence of Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento, but since their return, the Magpies have collected seven points from their last three fixtures and looked far more dynamic.
Both players offer versatility, stepping into midfield, driving forward to join attacks, and recovering quickly into defensive positions. Their presence fundamentally changes Newcastle’s rhythm and balance.
Kieran Trippier remains influential as a leader and set-piece specialist, but at 35, he no longer provides the same energy or attacking thrust that once defined his game.
With his contract expiring next summer and no talks scheduled, he now contributes more off the pitch than on it. His current injury only adds to the uncertainty.
Behind him, options are thin. Emil Krafth is unlikely to feature regularly in the Premier League and could depart as early as January amid interest from FC Copenhagen.
That leaves Livramento as the lone natural right-back – an injury risk Newcastle cannot afford.
The situation is similar at left-back. Hall has only recently returned from a long-term foot injury, while attempts to use Dan Burn there last season disrupted the team’s balance.
Matt Targett, once the reliable deputy, is on loan at Middlesbrough seeking more game time.
With no immediate starters capable of stepping in should Hall or Livramento be unavailable, full-backs must be a priority this January.
Striker
Alexander Isak’s departure in the summer left a significant void up front.
While the arrivals of Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa were welcomed, Wissa’s injury has forced Woltemade into a heavy workload as the lone fit striker for much of the season.
Newcastle can’t afford to rely on makeshift solutions. Experimenting with Anthony Gordon as a false nine hasn’t worked, and 22-year-old William Osula, though he has shown flashes against Liverpool and Fulham, hasn’t yet proven he can be a dependable rotation option.
He may also be headed for a Bundesliga move, with Eintracht Frankfurt preparing a loan-to-buy approach.
If Osula departs, Newcastle would be left without a third-choice striker, a precarious situation for a team competing in the Premier League, Champions League, and Carabao Cup.
A forward who can provide immediate impact, especially in the absence of key players, is essential.
Goalkeepers
Nick Pope’s groin injury will keep him sidelined for five more matches, with a potential return pencilled in for Boxing Day against Manchester United.
In his absence, Aaron Ramsdale has the opportunity to cement his place, but his recent misjudgment of Cristian Romero’s overhead kick has reignited scrutiny.
Pope himself has faced criticism for several costly errors, and beyond the current duo, the depth chart is thin.
Odysseas Vlachodimos is out on loan at Sevilla, while John Ruddy and Mark Gillespie now operate primarily as veteran training options rather than competitive challengers.
Newcastle possess two goalkeepers who each excel in specific aspects, but neither currently offers the complete skillset the team needs.
For a club aiming to return to the Champions League, securing a reliable, all-round goalkeeper who can command the box and inspire confidence in the back line should be a serious consideration.
Final thoughts
Newcastle’s squad remains talented and ambitious, but injuries and departures have exposed clear gaps.
Full-backs, a centre-forward, and a dependable goalkeeper stand out as the most pressing priorities heading into January.
Strengthening these areas could be decisive in maintaining momentum and pushing for another top-four finish.
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