Newcastle have hit the lottery.
The takeover by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) sees them have the richest owners in world football.
They also sit 19th in the league table. 3 points from the opening 7 games. Without a win.
Relegation would be a disastrous start to the “new era” in the North-East so Janaury will see them spend big.
But taking into account their current league position and draw for players, signings will be short term options. Probably those whose contracts are expiring at other clubs – or have fallen out of favour at bigger clubs.
They will look to bring these players in quickly in the hope they can push them up the table.
It wil lbe a couple of seasons until they can make those big name signings. So for now they wil lbe focusing on the Craig Bellamy’s, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Wayne Bridge’s and Tal Ben Haim’s of the world.
Those were the names that were amongst the first signings for Manchester City when they came udner state ownership.
Newcastle have already been linked with a host of new players – and clubs will be looking to cash in on those whose contracts are expiring in the summer.
Arsenal could be one of those clubs that takes advantage with a whole host of players up for grabs.
Alexandre Lacazette
Newcastle only really have one established Premeir League proven striker in Calum Wilson. The striker has been sidelined since late August with a thigh injury.
Another forward will be top of the list of Newcastle and Lacazette would be the best fit.
Lacazette is Premier League proven and would make an instant impact upfront. with his contract expiring in the summer and currently seeing very little game time at Arsenal, a move will be easy to make.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles
Last summer Newcastle bought Maitland-Niles good pal Joe Willock.
Maitland-Niles has been on the cusp of leaving the club numberous times over the last 3 windows. Each time Arsenal have blocked the move at the last minute.
but he is still struggling for game time at Arsenal.
The club will be wary about Granit Xhaka’s injury and Thomas Partey’s African adventure. But with such little game time Maitland-niles will be pushing for a move.
Rob Holding
Newcastle’s number one defensive choice seems to be James Tarkowski of Burnley. But if a deal for him can not be pushed through Rob Holding may well be the back up option,
Holding nearly joined Newcastle on loan a year or so ago.
He is Premier League proven and not currently getting much game time at Arsenal following the purchase of Ben White.
With William Saliba performing well in France, the expectation is that he will return and provide first choice cover to both White and Gabriel. That will push Holding further down the pecking order.
Calum Chambers
See above but change the Rob Holding to Calum Chambers.
Eddie Nketiah
If Newcastle decide against going for the “ready and able” alexandre Lacazette they might chose to go with a younger man who could provide cover and competition for Wilson; before signing a star name striker in the summer.
Nketiah has clearly outgrown youth team football but with two top strikers ahead of him at Arsenal is getting very ltitle game time.
A move to Newcastle would see him being first reserve to Wilson. The pair would probably have enough fire power to keep Newcastle up without the need to bring in a senior striker who could quickly become surplus to requirements.
Let us know who you think Newcastle will sign in the comments…
Keenos
She Wore A Yellow Ribbon 