Three vital summer transfer priorities Newcastle United must deliver after quiet January window

And just like that, Newcastle United cannot make any signings until the summer. Fans began the new year hoping for incomings to help ease the injury crisis which has plagued the Magpies’ season.

Like the boy who cried wolf, sermonising about Financial Fair Play fell on deaf ears to Toon supporters. Previous years had resulted in the same jargon from Eddie Howe and the club hierarchy before a transfer splurge on new arrivals.

Darren Eales even addressed the media midway through the month to quell expectations while leaving the window open for possible exits. Hope about a deadline-day arrival never materialised and it became clear as soon as fans enjoyed their morning cuppa that no big-money signings would be made.

Prospect Alfie Harrison joined from Manchester City and will link up with Ben Dawson’s youth setup, with Isaac Hayden also seeking pastures new at Queens Park Rangers on loan until the end of the season. But that was all for NewcastleWorld to report on as the Magpies decided against dipping their toe into the market.

So what about the summer? Newcastle fans will be expecting a serious outlay after Toon chiefs kept their powder dry last month. FFP/PSR regulations could be relaxed and, with a new financial year, revenue from the Champions League and enhanced sponsorship deals can be taken into account.

With the January window in the rear-view mirror, NewcastleWorld has profiled the three transfer priorities for United at the end of the campaign.

Right wing

It is no secret that Newcastle need a more productive forward on the right flank. Miguel Almiron’s potential Saudi Pro League exit was greeted with cheers by a section of Newcastle fans - a harsh reality given his graft for the cause.

While nobody can dislike the Paraguayan given his work rate and beaming smile, he has become a weakness for the Magpies. Write Newcastle’s best team down on paper and he sticks out like a sore thumb.

Almiron has managed just 23 goals in 166 Premier League games since arriving five years ago - with 48 per cent of those coming last season. Admittedly, he did look better on the left flank against Aston Villa, with Jacob Murphy giving Howe width from the right.

But if Newcastle are serious about being Champions League regulars they need to sign a serious wideman who can create and score goals. A front three of Anthony Gordon, Alexander Isak and the new addition could terrorise top-flight defences next season.

Defensive midfield

When fully fit, Newcastle boast one of the best midfield continents in the league. However, that has been their kryptonite in 2023-24, with Bruno Guimaraes, Sean Longstaff and Lewis Miley being run into the ground.

Sandro Tonali, Joe Willock, Joelinton and Elliot Anderson have been sidelined for most of the campaign, players who rival Premier League clubs would die for. What the Magpies do not have is a midfield enforcer.

Yes, Joelinton does that role but not as someone who sits in front of the back four. There have been telling gaps - especially away from home - between defence and midfield this season.

Guimaraes is Howe’s preferred option in the deep-lying playmaker role but an option to help see out results would be welcome. Kalvin Phillips was a target in January and someone of his profile should be on their radar.

Centre-back

Since Sven Botman returned, Newcastle have looked as assured as ever in defence. Stability at the back was paramount to the Magpies’ successes last year - with Howe’s side boasting the joint-best defensive record in the Premier League.

That has not been the case this time around, largely due to Botman’s absence. Fabian Schar remains a pivotal asset for Newcastle and was instrumental again in the win at Aston Villa.

However, Father Time is undefeated and Schar, at 32, is not going to be around forever. Signing a long-term partner for Botman would allow Newcastle to cement their defensive foundation for years to come.

That is not to dismiss Schar, who seems to get better with age. The Swiss international still has a huge role to play at St James’ Park in the coming years.