It’s fair to say Newcastle United aren’t enjoying the best days of left-wingers Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes.
That said, the Magpies are not expected to prioritize a new left winger in the upcoming transfer window, according to The Athletic’s Chris Waugh.
In response to a fan question in his mailbag, Waugh wrote that “left wing, as far as I am aware, is not a primary concern for January, given Newcastle have Gordon and Barnes already,” even if they’re far from their optimal level of play.
Waugh
added that Anthony Elanga, Jacob Ramsey, Joelinton, and Lewis Hall “can also play on that flank, as could Wissa,” making a signing in that area unlikely.
However, Waugh indicated that “full-back depth is something Newcastle must consider.”
Kieran Trippier, now 35, isn’t expected to contribute offensively as frequently as before, if only because of his aging legs, and Emil Krafth’s playable days seem to be in the rear-view mirror. Dan Burn’s role at left-back, meanwhile, has saved NUFC here and there, but it’s the solution preferred by Howe or most Magpie fans.
According to Waugh, the coaching staff believe Newcastle’s struggles this season have partly stemmed from “the absence of both Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall at the same time.”
Waugh concluded that when Newcastle signed Livramento and Hall in 2023, it was with the intent “to future-proof the full-back departments,” adding that “the decision to acquire Hall in particular was questioned at the time.”
As things stand, however, it’s becoming clear the team needs at least one or two players good enough to push Howe into tougher XI decisions and definitely playable in the event of the current injuries and underperformances affecting those at the position.
