Eddie Howe was questioned about Newcastle’s January plans during this morning’s news conference, given that Sandro Tonali has been suspended for the rest of the season and that nine first-team players are now injured.
As anticipated, his response revealed very little. “January is such a long way off,” he remarked. I am unable to settle down and decide what to do. When we make our plans, it will be closer to January.
However, given Howe’s remarks regarding Sven Botman’s knee injury, it’s beginning to seem like we’ll need more than just a temporary substitute for Tonali.
A midfielder on loan feels likely to fill the void Tonali has left—Kalvin Phillips and Ruben Neves have both been strongly linked—but it feels increasingly likely that we also sign a center-back, especially when we tried and failed to land one over the summer window.
It’s been well documented that we’ve been in the market for a young, right-sided center-back able to become a long-term partner for Botman. The latter may be out, and it remains unclear just how long he’ll be missing, but we’ve seen Fabian Schar fill in superbly on the left side. Dan Burn is another option down that side, creating the need for another right-sided option, ideally with pace, athleticism, and ability on the ball.
It remains to be seen what finances will allow in January, but if we focus on a loan signing to fill the gap in midfield, some funds may be available to sign a center-back. Should the right one emerge this winter?
I don’t expect Crystal Palace to part with Joachim Andersen mid-season, but European options could be explored, with Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo, Leverkusen’s Edmond Tapsoba, and Benfica’s Antonio Silva just a few ‘targets’ who failed to land summer moves.
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