Defender scouted - Newcastle United new-look starting XI after January transfer window
Newcastle United’s new-look starting XI after the January transfer window - if the rumours are true.
Newcastle United are weighing up their options in the January transfer window after losing Fabian Schar and Tino Livramento to long-term injuries.
Schar has undergone surgery after sustaining ankle ligament damage and is expected to be sidelined until April, while Livramento has a hamstring issue. Although not yet confirmed, the full-back is rumoured to be out for eight weeks.
Already without Dan Burn, Emil Krafth and Jamaal Lascelles, the Magpies have just senior defenders available in Kieran Trippier, Malick Thiaw, Sven Botman and Lewis Hall.
As a result, Eddie Howe’s side could dip into the winter market, providing the right player becomes available at the right price.
“Yes, all options are available to us,” Howe said. “We're trying to make the right decisions collectively. I've said this so many times, so you're bored of me saying it, but there's a lot to consider.
“Summer activity, January activity, value for money, the right players being available, so we'll take all that into account and try and make the right decision.”
So, just for a bit of fun, we’ve got our imagination hats on and look at how Newcastle could line-up after the January window - based on the latest rumours doing the rounds:
GK: Nick Pope
It’s taken next to no time for Pope to reclaim the number one spot from Aaron Ramsdale after recently returning from a month out with a groin issue.
RB: Lewis Miley
A midfielder by trade, of course, but Miley has starred at right-back in the absence of Tino Livramento.
CB: Malick Thiaw
A £35m summer arrival from AC Milan and excluding a nightmare 45 minutes against Leeds aside, what a signing the German has been.
CB: Tiago Gabriel
As per Daily Mail Sport, Newcastle have scouted Lecce’s 21-year-old centre-back Tiago Gabriel, but they are yet to follow up on those checks. There is still time, especially with the number of injuries United currently have in the backline.
LB: Lewis Hall
Hall is one of the best left-backs in the Premier League and if he can stay fit between now and the end of the season, he could end up in England’s World Cup squad.
CM: Sandro Tonali
When Tonali is on top form, there aren’t many better. Has an engine not many can match.
CM: Bruno Guimaraes
Captain. Leader. Legend. Enough said.
CM: Kees Smit
The Magpies are looking to add a dynamic player to their midfield and Smit, as reported by NewcastleWorld, is on their radar. Unfortunately, the young Dutchman won’t be on the move until the summer, though.
RW: Harvey Barnes
Newcastle have Jacob Murphy and £55million summer signing Anthony Elanga as their other right-wing options, but Barnes’ 11 goals this season speak for itself.
LW: Anthony Gordon
It may be an unpopular opinion, but Gordon has definitely looked more like his usual self since the turn of the year. He’s overdue a Premier League goal in open play, with his last coming 12 months ago.
ST: Nick Woltemade
Woltemade or Yoane Wissa? Take your pick. Both are very different players.