Newcastle United’s transfer business is far from finished, or so it should, with the club entering the final two weeks of the window still needing to address some glaring holes in Matthias Jaissle’s squad.
In sort of a reasuring update, The Athletic’s Chris Waugh reported during a recent Q&A that Newcastle is simultaneously pursuing several deals and expects to complete between two and four additional signings before the transfer window closes on Sept. 1.
“Newcastle are pursuing multiple deals, and
the expectation is that between two and four more players will be signed before the window closes on September 1,” Waugh reported. “Experience and Premier League know-how are definitely on the agenda.”
That represents something of a shift from Newcastle’s approach earlier this summer. Four of the Magpies’ five additions are 20 or younger — with the other one a 24-year-old goalie — and none of the five newcomers has previously played a minute in the Premier League, some even in a top-flight division.
According to Waugh, however, Bruno Guimaraes’ departure and Eddie Howe’s exit have contributed to Newcastle reconsidering that youth-heavy strategy.
“These were not necessarily a priority while Eddie Howe was still in charge, or at the very least before Bruno Guimaraes’ exit became increasingly inevitable,” Waugh reported. “But there is an acknowledgement internally that an exception or two to the summer blueprint of largely acquiring young players is required.”
That explains Newcastle’s pursuit of experienced midfielders of late, such as Marseille captain Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Bayern Munich’s Joao Palhinha, both 31, who are among, approximately, six midfield options being considered by the Toon.
While Waugh reported that a move for Hojbjerg is still active yet “proving far from straightforward,” he reported that Newcastle is currently “behind other clubs” in the race for Palhinha, notably Aston Villa with the EPL side having already agreed personal terms with the player.
It also remains unclear whether Newcastle will ultimately add several veterans or just one, with the identity of the next midfield arrival potentially determining the rest of the club’s business.
Jaissle has already acknowledged the leadership “vacuum” created by Newcastle’s summer departures, and Waugh stressed that Hojbjerg is viewed as a leader after eight seasons of Premier League experience. Whether or not he ends up agreeing terms with Newcastle is an entirely different matter.
Which positions should Newcastle prioritize with those remaining signings, and which veteran would you target first? Share your thoughts below!
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