'Very soon' - Eddie Howe issues Newcastle United January transfer update as midfielder eyed
The January transfer window is just around the corner for Newcastle United and their Premier League rivals.
Eddie Howe is set to discuss Newcastle United’s January transfer window plans ‘in the next few days’.
Newcastle spent over £250million in the summer on five new signings but recouped around £160m via the sales of Alexander Isak, Sean Longstaff and Lloyd Kelly. That was despite not having a sporting director or chief executive officer in place.
In terms of the new arrivals, German duo Malick Thiaw and Nick Woltemade have immediately hit the ground running, while Aaron Ramsdale is now set for a run in the side due to Nick Pope’s groin injury. Anthony Elanga and Jacob Ramsey have endured less successful starts, and the same applies to Yoane Wissa, with a knee injury preventing him from making his debut.
So far this campaign, it’s fair to say Howe’s side, who qualified for the Champions League last season, have fallen below expectations as they currently sit 14th in the Premier League table, though still only five points below the top five.
Eddie Howe on Newcastle United’s January transfer window plans
As the Magpies gear up for a big second half of the season, Howe admits he “would love” to bring players in, though says he hasn’t had those conversations with the club’s hierarchy yet.
Those discussions, which Howe says will happen “very soon”, will be led by new sporting director Ross Wilson.
Howe said: “No, we haven't had discussions yet, but we will and we will very soon because we need to be across everything that's going to happen in January. We never quite know what the month will look like.
“You can have a vision of it being quiet or the opposite, and the reality can be very different. So we need to be across it. We need to be prepared for all eventualities.
"Always would love, whether that's bringing someone in, always keep the squad fresh. And that will be a feeling that you have from within.
“Every window our outlook is to be active. How that looks, I've got no idea. Finances, I haven't had those discussions yet. But we will do in the next few days."
What positions could Newcastle United strengthen in January?
As reported by NewcastleWorld, Newcastle are exploring a move for AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit.
Smit has been winning rave reviews back in his homeland with his classy, technical performances coming into Premier League consciousness when he starred for AZ against Crystal Palace recently in the UEFA Conference League. He played on the left of a midfield three in that encounter.
The 19-year-old is understood to be admired by many of Europe’s top clubs, but has been earmarked by the NUFC talent ID team as a potentially attainable January target.
Speaking last month, Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman addressed Smit’s likeness to Barcelona’s Pedri.
Koeman said: “He has the awareness to receive in tight spaces and move the ball forward. That is something we value. The resemblance people see is in how he positions himself and his decision-making under pressure. But every player must form his own identity.”