The latest Newcastle United transfer news and gossip, as numerous players continue to be connected with a move to St James’ Park
Newcastle United had a quiet January transfer window, but that doesn’t mean their job is done.
The Magpies did not make any fresh additions despite being connected with several players since the beginning of the year. In terms of departures, Miguel Almiron has completed a permanent move to Atlanta in Major League Soccer, while Lloyd Kelly is reportedly close to joining Juventus.
Even though the transfer deadline for Newcastle and the rest of the Premier League was on Monday night, there is still a chance that players will move to St James’ Park. Nothing prevents the Magpies from signing free agents in the days or weeks following the deadline, as long as they have not played for another team since the window closed.
It remains to be seen whether Newcastle will look to the free agent market for additional signings. Following the aborted pursuit of Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi last summer, one area of the squad that could be targeted for reinforcements is centre-back.
Former Manchester City and Lyon defender Jason Denayer is now a free agent after leaving Saudi Pro League club Al Fateh last month. The defender is also joined by fellow centre-back Daniel Amartey in being a free agent, with the former Leicester City star without a club since leaving Besiktas last September.
Should Newcastle want to sign a new forward, there are several options on the free-agent market that are seemingly available. Former Liverpool star Ryan Kent is without a club after leaving Fenerbahce by mutual consent in October last year.
Former Sevilla and Monaco player Wissam Ben Yedder is also available as a free agent. The France international left Monaco last year when his contract expired and has yet to find a new club, despite scoring 20 goals in 34 games last season.
Newcastle’s lack of activity in the January transfer window is not surprising. Magpies manager Eddie Howe recently stated: “We understood that unless something unexpected happened, we would not recruit in this window.
“I said that right from the outset and despite being linked with numerous players that’s still the case, we’re not actively looking to bring players in.”Hopefully the squad is in a good place; if we can get Callum (Wilson) and Harvey (Barnes) back healthy and blazing in a few weeks, I believe the squad will look excellent.”
When asked about future outgoings, he replied, “As things stand now, I don’t. Things can change, but as of now, I expect the squad to remain the same.”
Newcastle return to action on Wednesday with the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final against Arsenal. They are presently leading the tie 2-0.
