NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - AUGUST 08: Bruno Guimaraes, Newcastle United Head Coach Eddie Howe and Head of Media Lee Marshall speak to the media during the Pre Season Press Conference at the Newcastle United Media Centre on August 08, 2024 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
This has not been the blockbuster transfer window that Newcastle United fans were expecting.
The hope was that Newcastle United would sign players that would take the club to the next level. But with the new Premier League season just days away, the Magpies have not signed anyone who improves Eddie Howe’s starting XI.
That is a major concern, but could change if Marc Guehi arrives. Toon officials are in talks to sign the 24-year-old from Crystal Palace, with Newcastle’s second Guehi bid being rejected last week.
Guehi would address Newcastle’s centre-back concern, but the main priority for fans has been signing a winger. It is clear that Eddie Howe needs extra quality out wide – someone who is an improvement on Jacob Murphy and Miguel Almiron.
Newcastle need a game-changer in attack, but that might prove to be difficult ahead of the transfer window closing on August 30th.
Newcastle still hamstrung by PSR as transfer deadline looms
There has already been one ‘transfer deadline’ this summer, with June 30th proving to be a very significant date.
That was the end of the accounting period for Premier League clubs, as they attempted to comply with profit and sustainability rules. Newcastle have done that, but it was tight.
However, a new report has stated that PSR is still very much a major issue at St James’ Park.
According to iNews, Newcastle are struggling to buy ‘game-changing players’ due to the threat of PSR. They add that the Magpies basically need to sell before they buy if they are intent on bringing in players who can take Howe’s team to the next level.
Newcastle simply must sign a winger
If Newcastle can complete a deal for Guehi, it feels like it will be followed by a period of reflection. The hope is that he will not be the last summer recruit, but some players need to go to allow Howe to strengthen his squad further.
That puts the Magpies under pressure, as it is very clear that they need at least one major addition ahead of the summer transfer window closing.
Considering it has been the priority all summer, it would be drastically disappointing if the transfer window closes without a new winger arriving. Noni Madueke is on Newcastle’s radar right now, with various other targets moving elsewhere.
However, there may need to be departures for the Magpies’ winger dream to become a reality.
Who Newcastle could sell before August 30th
Fortunately, Newcastle do have a few players who they could sell before the window slams shut on August 30th.
The most likely candidate to depart is Kieran Trippier. The 33-year-old is in the final year of his Toon contract, and it has been reported that Trippier probably will be sold by Newcastle. However, Howe is keen to keep him on Tyneside.
Callum Wilson and Sean Longstaff are also players who could be sold. Their Newcastle contracts expire in 2025, meaning it is either time to move them on or hand them a new deal. The situation regarding the former is much more complicated, as Howe aims to ensure he has enough cover up front.
The final player who Newcastle could let go is Miguel Almiron. He has felt likely to leave all summer, but there has still been no movement regarding his future.
He is probably the one player that Newcastle can get decent money for, given the fact he is not in the final 12 months of his contract. But selling him would be considered a risk, as there would be no guarantees of a replacement definitely arriving.
That is why it is going to be an extremely difficult and nervy end to the summer transfer window. There is a lot of business to be done at Newcastle United before 11pm August 30th.
