More transfer rumours

[Guest]

58 minutes ago, nbthree3 said:

 

[Guest]

Could probably still get Targett as well tbh. Hickey can play LB, RB, and on the wing so would still get plenty of opportunities without having too much pressure.

[Thiago]

54 minutes ago, HTT II said:

I’m not a big fan of Werner from what I’ve seen mind…

Werner was never going to be a good fit for a team like Chelsea in my opinion. He's billed as a 'forward' suggesting he can play across the front line, but in reality he doesn't have the technical skill to play wide or the presence to play as a lone striker. 

 

His whole success in Germany was built around playing in a front two and even then he'd whiff some good chances. He also wasn't the most confident young man so putting him at a disposable club like Chelsea was a recipe for disaster. 

[KaKa]

Why should we be the ones to try and find out if Werner can figure things out after he leaves Chelsea? No thanks. He's no doubt on a sizeable wage, and he'd no doubt still cost a fair whack.

 

I'd much rather see us go for the likes we were linked with in January, so one of Jonatahan David, Nunez, Schick, Beto, Dembele, Simeone etc.

 

Werner coming here and continuing to struggle would be a disaster not worth risking.

[Manxst]

14 minutes ago, KaKa said:

Why should we be the ones to try and find out if Werner can figure things out after he leaves Chelsea? No thanks. He's no doubt on a sizeable wage, and he'd no doubt still cost a fair whack.

 

I'd much rather see us go for the likes we were linked with in January, so one of Jonatahan David, Nunez, Schick, Beto, Dembele, Simeone etc.

 

Werner coming here and continuing to struggle would be a disaster not worth risking.

This is where I’m at too. He’s on £250k at Chelsea, so won’t be leaving for much less than that, IF he does go. I’d rather we put those wages towards any of those players you’ve mentioned, or even two of them- Bruno is allegedly on £120k for comparison, so whatever we could pay the likes of Jonathan David would be a sizeable improvement and incentive compared to what he’s currently earning. 

[KaKa]

31 minutes ago, Manxst said:

This is where I’m at too. He’s on £250k at Chelsea, so won’t be leaving for much less than that, IF he does go. I’d rather we put those wages towards any of those players you’ve mentioned, or even two of them- Bruno is allegedly on £120k for comparison, so whatever we could pay the likes of Jonathan David would be a sizeable improvement and incentive compared to what he’s currently earning. 

 

Yes, exactly. I think some people are just more comfortable with known names, and just have no faith in bringing in an emerging player instead that they don't know much about yet. It's not the way we should be going though, there's some terrific younger talent out there we should be prioritizing that we can get for better prices and wages and who have the potential to reach the top and are still driven to do so.

 

Like you, I'm also a big fan of Jonathan David and think that would be such a great signing for us this summer. Very versatile forward that can also play on either wing and behind another front man as well. Has now lit up both the Belgian league and French league in quick succession and is rising very fast. Whoever snaps him up this summer will be very happy. And in another few years I think he'll be right up there as one of the higher valued forwards in the game that will be too expensive for most.

[madras]

1 hour ago, Manxst said:

This is where I’m at too. He’s on £250k at Chelsea, so won’t be leaving for much less than that, IF he does go. I’d rather we put those wages towards any of those players you’ve mentioned, or even two of them- Bruno is allegedly on £120k for comparison, so whatever we could pay the likes of Jonathan David would be a sizeable improvement and incentive compared to what he’s currently earning. 

He may get that but if Chelsea want rid then the buying club won't be paying 250kpw. Chelsea will have to pay a fair chunk of it or he takes a cut.

[Manxst]

16 minutes ago, madras said:

He may get that but if Chelsea want rid then the buying club won't be paying 250kpw. Chelsea will have to pay a fair chunk of it or he takes a cut.

And if he doesn’t want to take a cut then he’ll stay at Chelsea on his £250k. It’s nothing to do with Chelsea ‘wanting rid’- as with every player, it’s down to the individual under contract and whether they want to leave, not the club. 

[madras]

8 minutes ago, Manxst said:

And if he doesn’t want to take a cut then he’ll stay at Chelsea on his £250k. It’s nothing to do with Chelsea ‘wanting rid’- as with every player, it’s down to the individual under contract and whether they want to leave, not the club. 

Like I said "if" they want rid, the player may well be happy to leave but not take the pay cut. If Chelsea want a space that isn't costing 250kpw then they'll have to compromise.

[Danh1]

Craig Hope on TalkShite saying he would be flabbergasted if our budget is £50/£60 million only. 
 

Says we are interested in a GK, CB, midfielder, potentially Johnson from Forest and a striker 

[SUPERTOON]

If we go for Johnson from Forest, i hope we also go for someone more proven.

[The Prophet]

If we're picking up young talent from the Championship Kelly and Johnson would be tidy buys, providing we bring a few others in as well.

[Ikon]

Has anyone seen much of Diogo Costa? He’s supposed to be very highly rated. Not convinced about the keepers we have been linked with so far. Yeah, just links and rumours though. 

[WarrenBartonCentrePartin]

5 hours ago, nbthree3 said:

 

 

Only the second-greatest Hickey there's ever been.

 

 

[54]

 

[nortoon]

Really hope wingers are part of the plan.

[54]

Quote

Eddie Howe did not expect Newcastle United to be in this position by the end of March.

The head coach was always confident that he could keep Newcastle up, but for the team to be 14th and nine points clear of the relegation zone with nine games remaining was surely beyond even his own expectations.

And, while Howe himself rightly insists that Newcastle are not safe yet, he has been presented with an unexpected opportunity to begin tentatively planning for a future beyond survival.

The indications are that, as one source puts it, supporters should “expect evolution rather than revolution” at Newcastle this summer. About 10 players could depart, but some of those are already outside of the 25-man Premier League squad or out on loan, and between four and six signings brought in, as quality over quantity is sought.

Steve Nickson, the head of recruitment, is drawing up shortlists for players in every position — though signing a striker is the priority. Newcastle are looking to augment the spine of their team, with centre-back and goalkeeper also featuring prominently during discussions, as are attacking midfielders, with increasing the number of goals in the team viewed as crucial.

Yet insiders have also been keen to stress that Newcastle will not merely lavish cash and bring in world-class stars on astronomical wages. While one recruitment source insists Newcastle have “raised the level of player they are after” following a January window when avoiding relegation was the goal, links to players such as Neymar and Ousmane Dembele have been dismissed.

While there may be some kidology from Newcastle, who are keen not to be made to overpay because of the wealth of their majority owners, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), the consistent message has been that they are targeting organic growth, given Financial Fair Play (FFP) restrictions.

Still, the consortium will continue to invest, but they will also walk away from inflated deals. Brighton & Hove Albion’s multi-million-pound compensation demands to release Dan Ashworth from his nine-month notice period are precisely why he is yet to begin his sporting director role.

Newcastle’s summer budget is estimated to be in the “higher tens of millions”, meaning that a complete overhaul is simply unrealistic. Instead, the recruitment team — which chiefly comprises Howe, Nickson, Amanda Staveley (the co-owner) and Jason Tindall (the assistant head coach) — must be astute in deciding where to strengthen.

To stretch their funds further, release clauses in contracts are being identified, while Newcastle are monitoring potential free transfers and loans. Any money generated from player sales will also supplement what Howe can spend.

Although Staveley and Nickson have held regular conversations about potential transfer plans since January, Howe has focused on coaching, though the head coach is meeting the recruitment team this week to discuss the summer strategy, should Newcastle survive.

In preparation, The Athletic has conducted an audit of the Newcastle squad. Below is a graphic showing the age profile of Newcastle players and how they compare to the “peak ages” across positions in the Premier League which will be referred to throughout, as we consider who should stay, who is surplus to requirements and which positions should be reinforced…

 

Goalkeepers

It would be a surprise if Newcastle did not reshuffle their goalkeeper department, given that Howe desires specific characteristics from a shot-stopper, and because his options are ageing.

Martin Dubravka is the long-established No 1, yet Howe desires competition for the Slovakia international, who is 33.

It is understood that loaning a goalkeeper was considered during January, though it was not a priority, but could become so this summer. Kepa Arrizabalaga, the Chelsea goalkeeper, has long been tracked by Newcastle because of his ability on the ball, and they are contemplating a loan offer.

Newcastle’s preference is not to spend a significant portion of their budget on a goalkeeper, given that there are, in theory, several high-class shot-stoppers who are not first choice at their current teams. Manchester United’s Dean Henderson has also featured during discussions, as have Arsenal’s Bernd Leno and West Bromwich Albion’s Sam Johnstone, though European-based goalkeepers are being watched, too.

While Dubravka is likely to stay, there are doubts surrounding the futures of Karl Darlow, Mark Gillespie and Freddie Woodman.

Darlow is the deputy but, at 31, he has already passed the “peak age” for a goalkeeper and has rarely threatened to usurp Dubravka. The likelihood is that, if a keeper is brought in, Newcastle would listen to offers to Darlow — but, with his contract running until 2025, moving him on may prove difficult.

Gillespie, meanwhile, has yet to make a Premier League appearance for Newcastle and, with his deal expiring in 2023, the Geordie appears unlikely to receive an extension.

Woodman, though, is the most-intriguing case. The 25-year-old had been viewed as a future No 1 but, rather than be retained by Howe, he was loaned to AFC Bournemouth in January and is yet to make a Championship appearance there. Having previously extended Woodman’s contract to then send him out on loan, the time may have come to cash in this summer should Howe not view the goalkeeper as a long-term option, given that 21-year-old Dan Langley can provide emergency back-up.

 

Centre-backs

Even though Newcastle finally ended their three-and-a-half-year pursuit of a left-sided centre-half in January, bolstering the heart of the defence further remains on Howe’s wishlist.

As impressive as Dan Burn has been, the Blyth-born defender is 29 and, like all of Newcastle’s centre-back options beyond Jamaal Lascelles, is already above the “peak age” for that position. However, Burn, Lascelles and Fabian Schar — whose contract expires in June but is in discussions over an extension, with Howe determined to keep the Switzerland international — are set to stay for 2022-23.

Ciaran Clark, though, will be made available this summer, with the 32-year-old already discarded from the 25-man Premier League squad and entering the final 12 months of his deal. Federico Fernandez, too, could be allowed to depart, given that he is 33 and has been plagued by injury problems, managing just five league starts this season.

Fernandez’s leadership qualities are highly-regarded by Howe but bringing in a younger, more technically-gifted alternative appears likely.

Sven Botman, who Newcastle unsuccessfully attempted to prise from Lille in January, continues to feature prominently during discussions and club scouts have been watching him in action. Burn was acquired as a left-footed centre-back instead, but Newcastle have not ruled out returning for Botman, and Howe is also an admirer of Lloyd Kelly, who he signed from Bristol City while at Bournemouth.

Both players fit the profile Newcastle are expected to move for, as they aim to reduce the average age of their centre-backs and then blend together experience and promise. For that reason, Sevilla’s Diego Carlos is thought to have moved down the list of targets, while Chelsea’s Antonio Rudiger is not being seriously discussed as an option, despite the Germany international being linked.

Interestingly, though Newcastle are hopeful Schar will stay, right-sided centre-backs are also being monitored. Lascelles may be captain, but he is not comfortable in possession and, at some stage, that may see him deemed replaceable, though this summer may come too soon for that.

 

Full-backs/wing-backs

While Howe prefers deploying a back four, he still requires the versatility within his squad to switch to a wing-back system, and that must be considered when assessing the wide defensive positions.

Again, as with much of the squad, the majority of Newcastle’s full-backs are already beyond the “peak age” for their position — and the youngest of them, Jamal Lewis, is also among the more likely to be sold, given he was omitted from the 25-man Premier League list.

Beyond Lewis, Matt Ritchie, who is a converted right-winger, may be an influential voice within the dressing-room but, at 32, this summer may be a natural exit point. Paul Dummett, meanwhile, has played just three times all season and, although Newcastle are considering offering the Geordie a short-term extension, questions over his durability mean he is not certain to be kept on.

Kieran Trippier, though, was signed in January as a standard-bearer for the “new Newcastle” and, of all the full-back options, is perhaps the only one guaranteed to remain.

Javier Manquillo has two further years on his deal and is a steady operator at right-back or right wing-back, but the 27-year-old has been in and out of the team. Emil Krafth has often been preferred in a back four and is able to provide cover at centre-back, so Howe may deem him to be a useful option to retain.

There is greater uncertainty at left-back. Matt Targett has impressed during his loan from Aston Villa and, if they can negotiate a reasonable fee, Newcastle would be very receptive to keeping the 26-year-old.

However, it is understood that Nickson’s team have been scouting alternatives, too, and Targett joining permanently is not yet a foregone conclusion.

 

Midfielders

The amount of restructuring that Newcastle need to do in this area very much depends on Joelinton — and whether the Brazilian is now regarded as a fully-fledged midfielder.

Howe refuses to label Joelinton as such but, while the 25-year-old will remain an attacking option, the expectation is that he will continue to be deployed in midfield, particularly if Newcastle continue with a 4-3-3 system.

Joe Willock is also part of Howe’s first-team plans — the midfielder has a contract until 2027 — as is Bruno Guimaraes, who joined in January. Jonjo Shelvey, who has been an almost automatic starter under Howe, is expected to be kept, too, and may even be rewarded with a contract extension beyond next year.

Sean Longstaff, meanwhile, is in talks about a new deal to prevent the 24-year-old leaving for free in July. The academy graduate has impressed Howe with his energy and off-the-ball work and, though he had been expected to leave just a few months ago, and had an offer from Everton in January, Newcastle recognise that it would cost them a decent fee to sign a player of equivalent or better standard than Longstaff, so would rather extend his deal.

Yet Isaac Hayden, who was left out of the 25-man squad post-January due to injury, is expected to be made available. Howe prefers technical players in midfield and Hayden will likely either be sold or loaned out, should Newcastle fail to receive a decent offer, given his lack of game-time.

Jeff Hendrick is also surplus to requirements but, aged 30 and on a lucrative contract at Newcastle, offloading the Republic of Ireland international will not be straightforward. Matty Longstaff, too, could leave permanently, with the 22-year-old currently on loan at Mansfield Town in League Two.

Although midfield is not viewed as being the most-pressing position to upgrade, Newcastle do retain a long-term interest in Brighton’s Yves Bissouma, and have been linked with Leeds United’s Kalvin Phillips.

Deep-lying ball-players who could complement Guimaraes long term are being watched by the recruitment department, but Joelinton’s rebirth and Shelvey’s form mean other areas can be prioritised.

 

Wingers/wide forwards

Alongside Willock, only one other Newcastle player has a contract until 2027: Jacob Murphy.

Yet, while Murphy may be moved on in the long run, his workrate and ability to play as a right wing-back mean he will probably be part of the squad next season, alongside both Allan Saint-Maximin and Ryan Fraser, both of whom are going nowhere.

Miguel Almiron, however, is a more intriguing case and, aged 28 and heading into the final two years of his deal, the Paraguayan is probably one of the few saleable assets Newcastle have that Howe may actually be receptive to listening to offers for. While endeavour is never an issue, Almiron has played 1,139 minutes this season without providing a goal or an assist and his lack of end product suggests an upgrade is required, given Newcastle’s dearth of goals.

Even if Joelinton does resume as an attacker, between the five wingers and deep forwards in Newcastle’s squad, they have just scored just 10 goals this season, and five by Saint-Maximin.

That is why, beyond a striker, at least one other attacking player is being sought. Jesse Lingard, who Newcastle tried to sign from Manchester United in January, will be available on a free transfer and continues to be monitored, though his wage demands could prove prohibitive.

Elsewhere, Bayer Leverkusen’s Moussa Diaby, Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, Watford’s Ismaila Sarr and Nottingham Forest’s Brennan Johnson are among the younger players Newcastle have tracked long term, while the club are believed to have asked about Lucas Paqueta’s situation at Lyon in January, before acquiring Guimaraes.

With Elliot Anderson impressing on loan at Bristol Rovers, there is an outside chance the 19-year-old could be kept on Tyneside next season should he excel during pre-season, rather than be sent to gain further experience in the Championship, but even that would not prevent Howe looking to strengthen this department further.

 

Strikers

Multiple sources have told The Athletic that bringing in a quality striker is of the “utmost priority” and it is expected that the majority of their budget will be directed towards this.

It is obvious, too, the player whose squad place that arrival would assume, given that Dwight Gayle is 32 and has played just eight league minutes under Howe. Yet moving Gayle on may not be straightforward — he has two years left on his contract and his wages may put off suitors.

Newcastle’s other centre-forward options are both already 30 and, while Callum Wilson is highly-regarded, he has missed 25 league games since September 2020 due to injury. And, though Chris Wood has given Newcastle a focal point since arriving for an eye-watering £25 million in January, he has scored just once so far and, ideally, he would be back-up next season, rather than the frontline striker.

It is expected that a forward in their mid-20s will be sought, with Benfica’s Darwin Nunez, Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Leverkusen’s Patrik Schick among those who have regularly been mentioned.

What’s more, a young forward could also be acquired, depending on the finances Newcastle generate, to provide a long-term option who can grow with the club. Hugo Ekitike, who Newcastle agreed a fee with Reims for in January, and Marseille’s Bamba Dieng are two who have been watched.

Although specific plans are yet to be finalised, the early indications are that Newcastle’s focus will very much be on bolstering their attack, beyond all other areas.

https://theathletic.com/3213493/2022/03/31/transfer-plans-and-squad-evolution-a-new-striker-is-newcastle-uniteds-big-priority-this-summer/?source=emp-shared-article

[SUPERTOON]

22 minutes ago, nortoon said:

Really hope wingers are part of the plan.

The athletic saying attacking signings are the big priority 

[NE27]

Don't think you'll find many nufc fans who wouldn't back the evolution over revolution approach.

 

The fact they're even relaying such information would probably pacify people 

 

A little part of me still thinks they will attempt to spaff some money on a marquee somewhere.

[Menace]

Has Graeme Bailey ever got anything right?

[The Prophet]

https://trainingground.guru/articles/nick-hammond-helping-newcastle-navigate-the-january-transfer-window

[JeffJ]

We "evolve" but we don't "revolve".
 

Or vice-versa.
 

I suppose what you're trying to say is, you don't want another Man City on your hands.

[Guest HTT II]

1 hour ago, The Prophet said:

https://trainingground.guru/articles/nick-hammond-helping-newcastle-navigate-the-january-transfer-window

Another good read, and I’m pleased Howe is having an input on signings, and it will be interesting to see how, going forward, he evolves from his recruitments at Bournemouth.

 

 

Edited March 31, 2022 by HTT II

[sushimonster85]

Will say the same thing with the Bailey 'budget' that I said when Edwards came out with a 'budget'. Take any budget talk with a bucket of salt. They will have a general idea in their head, but (like with Jan) it will be done on a player-by-player basis. On the one hand there is no real upper limit to what could be spent, but on the other (as seen in Jan) they're clearly not going to go mental.

[Guest]

Think the £90-100m will be about right but if a 'marquee' signing becomes available, they'll do it.