The St James’ Park faithful are expecting a busy month of transfer activity as Eddie Howe prepares for his fifth transfer window as Newcastle United boss. The Magpies have made huge strides in all of the previous windows and the team has rapidly ascended to a club fighting relegation to one that is competing for greatness at the very top of the football pyramid.
Newcastle have showcased this progress during the first half of the season by beating the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal in the league, whilst also eliminating treble winners Manchester City from the Carabao Cup. An historic Champions League night at PSG was yet another example of the steps the club has taken in such a short space of time.
However, the added pressure of European football, has also brought with it a number of new challenges and Newcastle’s squad depth has been heavily tested by a mixture of injuries and fatigue with notable losses to Brighton, Everton, Bournemouth and Tottenham all proving to be low points in the club’s battle to retain their Champions League status.
The January transfer window can be a make or break time for any club, and with that in mind Newcastle World has assembled the most likely starting XI for Eddie Howe’s side in the second half of the window if all the transfer rumours are true.
9. RW: Miguel Almiron
Miguel Almiron got his name on the scoresheet against Fulham and will hope to carry that form into 2024. (Getty Images) | Getty Images
10. ST: Serhou Guirassy
Newcastle United are believed to be in the market for a third striker and Serhou Guirassy has caught the eye with 16 goals in his opening 12 games in the Bundesliga. His reported release clause of £15m also makes him a potential bargain in today's market. (Getty Images) | Getty Images
11. LW: Anthony Gordon
Anthony Gordon was last January's marquee signing and he has proven to be a revelation this season with a series of top class performances. (Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images