Defender signing, winger decision and striker option on Newcastle United transfer to-do list

After the upheaval of Dan Ashworth's departure and Paul Mitchell's arrival, the January 2025 transfer window has taken on new significance for Newcastle United.

The winter trading period is a notoriously difficult one in which to get business done, with clubs wary of weakening their squad by letting key players leave. It is therefore a time when prices can sky rocket, with time also at a premium due the pressing nature of the football schedule.

However, there are bargains available, not least when it comes to players who could leave for free in the summer when their contracts are up. There's now the added factor of PSR concerns, with Premier League clubs well aware that they need to balance their books ahead of a June reckonning. Don't discount some pre-emptive moves as clubs aim to ensure they are not caught out.

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Newcastle largely kept their powder dry in the summer, not least because they couldn't agree a deal with Crystal Palace for Marc Guehi and so, while plans are always in place for windows well ahead of time, United could have more to spend than they perhaps anticipated.

With that in mind, here are four items that could be on Mitchell and Eddie Howe's January to-do list.

Test the Guehi waters

United are not afraid to pay big when it comes to signing the best talent around, especially when they're young, and Guehi seemed to fit the bill in the summer. However, they won't be held to ransom either and have their breaking point when it comes to asking price.

Crystal Palace's poor start to the season, and the fact that Guehi will be six months closer to the end of his contract may have altered some opinions in South London since August. The player has not agitated for a move, not seems the type to do so, but who knows what could happen if United come knocking again.

Newcastle must decide whether now is the time to test Palace's resolve, when there is perhaps less competition for his signature, or wait until his price drops even further in the summer. Or is this the time to turn their attentions elsewhere?

With Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles close to a return, Fabian Schar and Dan Burn in good form and Lloyd Kelly proving he can step up, do they need to pursue any central defender?

Right-wing debate

This one seems to have run for some time now, but United not found a solution. After being linked with myriad right wingers in the summer, Newcastle opted not to sign anyone in that role, although they did express late interest in Nottingham Forest's Anthony Elanga.

While Jacob Murphy and Miguel Almiron have been used in the role, it's Anthony Gordon who has more often operated on the right flank, out of position. The England forward prefers the left but has not let that stop him putting in some excellent performances, notably providing an inch-perfect cross for Alexander Isak's goal against Arsenal.

Howe has even found a winning formula, with Joelinton used in an attacking wing role, alternating with Gordon and scoring the second against Forest from the right. So like the defender question, do Newcastle need to sign a right winger? It's one for the future, but perhaps January can wait.

Striker light

One area which does need immediate attention is strength in depth up front. Callum Wilson has been absent all season - although could be close to a return - and it only took an injury to Isak to leave United with just Gordon as a makeshift centre-forward.

Will Osula has barely featured, although did start against AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup, so it's clear Newcastle will need to address this issue soon. Strikers are not cheap, of course, and the trick is to find someone who doesn't mind Isak being the first choice - at least for now.

It's a difficult one to pull off, but something which United must look to solve to ensure they're not caught out by injuries again in the coming months.

Exit strategies

Newcastle don't need a clearout, but there are some players who could begin to look elsewhere. Miguel Almiron was strongly linked with a move away in the summr, but is keen to fight for a place despite a lack of gametime this season.

Kieran Trippier was another linked with a move away, but fought his way back into the side after losing out to Tino Livramento in the early part of the season. However, a hamstring injury has allowed Livramento the chance to reclaim his place, something he has done in style.

And then there's Wilson. The United No 9 has only played six times in 2024 but on each occasion has shown what a goal threat he is. However what would Newcastle do if offered a reasonable fee for his services in January?

All three have been excellent servants to the club, and all can continue to play a role under Howe - but with FFP and PSR concerns to the fore, could United really afford to turn down a realstic offer for any of them?