There were hopes at the beginning of the current campaign that Newcastle United could rediscover the form that saw them qualify for the Champions League in 2022/23.
Without the distraction of European football, the Magpies boasted an advantage over their Premier League rivals, but their 2024/25 campaign has been far from plain sailing.
Newcastle have blown hot and cold throughout the season. They have beaten Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, while also managing draws with Liverpool and Manchester City. However, they have too often dropped points in winnable fixtures, including in matches with West Ham United, Crystal Palace and Everton.
Still, Eddie Howe’s side are in a strong position to attack the second half of the campaign. They are only five points behind current fourth-placed outfit Nottingham Forest and they have a Carabao Cup semi-final to look forward to at the start of the new year. With a few January additions, they could enjoy a memorable campaign.
Here are the areas Newcastle could target in the winter window.
Newcastle were desperate to add to their centre-backs over the summer. They acquired Lloyd Kelly on a free transfer but failed in their bid to recruit a big-name defender capable of effortlessly slotting into their backline.
Long-term injuries to Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles only intensified the need for reinforcements, with Fabian Schar and Dan Burn having to hold the fort down the stretch last season. They have been the preferred centre-back partnership through necessity following a summer without a significant centre-back signing.
January offers an opportunity for Newcastle to dip back into the market for a shiny new defender, although the upcoming returns of Botman and Lascelles eases the pressure on the recruitment team.
Key targets
Newcastle were eager to sign Marc Guehi above any other defender over the summer but saw numerous bids for the Crystal Palace centre-back rejected. However, the Magpies could well push for the England international again in January and are hopeful of a reduction in his value.
According to reports in France, Newcastle are also in a strong position to sign Lens centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov in January. The 20-year-old Uzbekistani defender would likely command a fee of £20m-25m.
There are also suggestions that the Magpies could ignite a pursuit of former Chelsea centre-back Fikayo Tomori in the winter. The Milan centre-back and England international could be available for just £25m.
Newcastle have some impressive options in wide areas. Anthony Gordon is one of the Premier League’s most exciting wingers and recently signed a new deal at St James’ Park. Harvey Barnes has proved an excellent option when fit. Jacob Murphy has enjoyed a mightily impressive season despite not being the most glamorous name on the team sheet.
However, there is a feeling that the right flank is still an area that needs fairly urgent improvement. Newcastle are lacking depth on that particular flank – an issue that could be exacerbated by the potential exit of Miguel Almiron during the January window.
To push for Champions League qualification and domestic cup silverware, another quality option on the right wing could be crucial.
Key targets
Newcastle didn’t sign any wingers over the summer and actually lost Yankuba Minteh as they attempted to comply with profit and sustainability regulations. However, they could make a move for Johan Bakayoko in January, with the PSV Eindhoven and Belgium winger having long interested Europe’s elite.
The left-footed forward, who is only 21, seems the most likely attacking signing for the Magpies over the January window.
There have been reports suggesting that Newcastle have interest in Southampton’s impressive teenager Tyler Dibling. The youngster, who can play in a variety of positions, has been just about the only bright spark for the Saints this season after emerging from the academy.
However, he could be an expensive addition, with former Saints manager Russell Martin claiming that Dibling’s reported price tag of £21m wouldn’t even “get his left foot”.
Newcastle already boast one of Europe’s most exciting strikers. Alexander Isak has once again showcased his ruthlessness and elite quality during the 2024/25 season, with over ten goals in all competitions already. However, options are slim for the Magpies beyond their exceptional Swede.
Callum Wilson’s injury woes have continued to plague him this season and the striker has played just four Premier League games. He’s back in the treatment room currently and likely won’t feature again until February, with an exit on a free transfer this summer looking increasingly probable.
Newcastle did sign the highly rated Denmark Under-21 international William Osula for £15m in the summer, but he’s yet to win over Howe, with the Magpies perhaps recruiting a new sharpshooter this January.
Key targets
Newcastle are not the only club currently keeping tabs on Eintracht Frankfurt striker Omar Marmoush. The Egyptian has been sensational this season, scoring 18 goals in all competitions thus far, and the 25-year-old has already won Bundesliga Player of the Month twice this term. Liverpool have been linked, too.
Bryan Mbeumo, who can feature as a winger or striker, has also been touted with a move to Tyneside, but prising him away from Brentford midway through the campaign would be extremely challenging.
Newcastle have recently been linked with a move for PAOK youngster Stefanos Tzimas following an impressive loan spell with Nurnberg. However, the Greek striker would be a project player and could be loaned out should the Magpies capture his signature.
