Eddie Howe’s sole remaining option for improving Newcastle United’s team is to sign free agents.
Eddie Howe was denied direct improvements to Newcastle United’s starting lineup for the third consecutive window.
An underwhelming summer transfer window dimmed the atmosphere at St James’ Park, and Newcastle’s team has only become weaker during the winter.
Miguel Almiron returned to MLS, and Lloyd Kelly joined Juventus on loan, which is likely to become permanent in the summer for £20 million.
While Almiron and Kelly were not frequent starts this season, their departures significantly reduced Howe’s choices in two areas that were already in need of improvement.
Eddie Howe does not want free agent signings.
While the winter transfer window has closed, Newcastle can still recruit free players to improve their roster for the second half of the season.
Newcastle has many transfer candidates on its radar who are poised to become free agents this summer.
Newcastle want to sign Angel Gomes, while Jonathan David will be available after his contract with Lille expires.
However, the current free agency market is nothing special, and The Athletic’s Chris Waugh reports that Howe is not interested in adding any free agents.
“There is no evidence that Newcastle are trying to sign any free agents, and Howe is not keen to do so outside of transfer windows. Loris Karius’ signing in 2022 was a result of particular circumstances, with numerous goalkeepers injured and a team spot still open,” Waugh wrote.
“But, aside from goalkeepers, Newcastle already has five. It is not an area that Howe often pursues. For starters, the quality of player required to actually enhance the squad, let alone the starting XI, is so high that there are precious few, if any, free agents who fulfill the requisite standards.”
Eddie Howe prefers to reward the Newcastle United academy stars.
Instead of entering the free agency market, Waugh thinks Howe would “rather offer an opportunity to a youngster from the academy”.
Sean Neave and Trevan Sanusi are two young players on the verge of breaking into the first-team lineup.
Neave was named to Newcastle’s FA Cup matchday squad for their 3-2 win over Birmingham City, with the 17-year-old forward available off the bench if needed.
Sanusi made his Newcastle debut against Bromley last month, and the 17-year-old winger is regarded as one of the club’s most promising prospects.
Sanusi could benefit from Almiron’s sale, since he will get more first-team opportunities for the remainder of the 2024/25 season.
If Newcastle needs more firepower, Sanusi and Neave could get their chance.
