Midfielder signs - 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.
The New Year is here, which means the January transfer window is too.
Newcastle United head into the winter market with money to spend, as confirmed by new sporting director Ross Wilson in a recent sit-down with the local media, but they won’t just be parting with their cash for the sake of it.
The Magpies currently have an injury crisis in defence and may be forced to address that. But the general message is United will be “opportunistic”.
“I think we're always looking to be opportunistic,” Eddie Howe said last month. “If there's something there that everyone feels will benefit the club for the short and long term, that would be something I think we'd look to do. Depending on what happens in the next few days, weeks, that obviously may change.
“There might become a need and a necessity to be active, but I think we just have to make that decision when it comes around. I don't think we can make that decision now.”
Heading into the window, Newcastle have been linked with plenty of names already and here, just for a bit of New Year fun, we take a look at how Howe’s side could line-up after January - if the transfer rumours are true.
GK: Nick Pope
Pope or Aaron Ramsdale? It seems absence has made the heart grow fonder for Pope after being without him recently due to a groin issue.
RB: Tino Livramento
Livramento is currently sidelined with a knee injury but is due back sometime in January. And when fit, he’s one of the first names on the teamsheet.
CB: Malick Thiaw
A £35m summer arrival from AC Milan and what a signing he has turned out to be. On current form, and this is no exaggeration, he is one the best centre-backs in the Premier League.
CB: Dan Burn
Many will argue Sven Botman over Burn but when looking back at the last two years, Burn has outperformed the Dutchman, whose progress has been blighted by injuries.
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. However, competition from elsewhere makes this a difficult deal to get over the line.
RW: Anthony Elanga
Newcastle spent £55m on Elanga in the summer but are yet to see the best of him. 2026 has to be a big year for the Swede.
LW: Anthony Gordon
Gordon’s quality is undoubted - he was unplayable in that first-half against Chelsea - the only issue at the moment is he isn’t doing it consistently for Newcastle.
ST: Nick Woltemade