The Telegraph reported that Newcastle has been preparing for the winter window since the moment the Saudi consortium completed the acquisition in early October. Amanda Stavioli, who oversees the club's day-to-day operations, insists the club has worked tirelessly to prepare for the winter window.
But whatever happens this month, there shouldn't be any knee-jerk decisions or panic buys. They built on a budget provided by saudi arabia's public investment fund PIF and held more than 2 months of discussions with chief scout Steve Nixon and head coach Eddie Howe. The exact budget for Newcastle for January has yet to be revealed, but is expected to exceed £50 million, while judging by their goals and interests, it could be close to £100 million.
Last December, the club finalized a list of players, including the first, second and third positions that Howie wants to promote. Upgrading the backline is a top priority and most of the money will be spent on defenders. This is a major area of concern, the source stressed. Newcastle have the worst defensive record in the Premier League and have not signed a centre-back since 2018. Newcastle are about to sign Atletico Madrid's England international Trippier for £25m, which will be an impressive start. Howe has worked with Trippier before and the two have a very good relationship. Negotiations on the deal have been around for some time, and all that's left to do is agree with Atletico on a transfer fee, which is almost done. It is widely believed that the signing will be completed this week.
It is also the first time Newcastle has had an England international in the squad since Michael Owen in 2009. In this transfer window, Newcastle hopes to bring in two new centre-backs, Newcastle lack a speedy centre-back and the current backline turns around slowly. The plan now is to change that, and Howe is looking for a centre-back who has the ball possession skills, can carry the ball on the defensive end, and at the same time has dominance in the air and is also a good playmaker.
Lille's Sven-Botman is one of Newcastle's top targets, but the French club are reluctant to sell the Dutch defender, but the players are very eager for a move and Newcastle may see if the £30m bid will change their minds, but for now, that seems unlikely.
James Tarkowski of Burnley, Lloyd Kelly of Bournemouth, Joe Rodden of Tottenham, Holgate of Everton, Nat Phillips of Liverpool, Rob Holden of Arsenal are all on Newcastle's reinforcement list. It is reported that Newcastle are also very eager to sign an equally good left-back. Norwich's Max Aarons has already been discussed, and Norwich is likely to be willing to sell him this month. Everton's Lucas Digney and Southampton's Romain Perot are also on target.
Howe wanted a defensive midfielder, with Harry Winks ideal, but he was back in the Tottenham squad under Conte. Arsenal's Elnini is a widely discussed player. Newcastle has not yet explored loans for Paris midfielder Vänadum, but Paris are likely to consider the operation in the winter window. Newcastle may also test van der Beek's case.
Sources told the Daily Telegraph that temporarily losing Wilson meant Newcastle would certainly sign another striker this month. Arsenal want to get rid of Aubameyang and have not completely ruled out the possibility of Newcastle bringing him in. United know Anthony Martial wants to leave the squad and it's not entirely impossible for Newcastle to persuade him to join. Arsenal's Nketiah rejected the team's proposed new contract.
Former Fulham and Leicester city striker Moussa Dembele is a potential option, with Brazil also reported that former Inter Milan striker Barbosa wants to join Newcastle on loan, with Barbosa moving permanently to Newcastle for £17m if Newcastle can avoid relegation. As with all positions, Eddie How prefers players with Premier League experience.
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