Newcastle United's transfer window has left fans uneasy. The signings of two 20-year-olds and an 18-year-old—Bazoumana Toure, Sean Steur, and Ewen Jaouen—totalling £83.5m have failed to spark excitement, especially as captain Bruno Guimaraes reportedly wants to join Arsenal.
Bruno Guimaraes Exit Fear
According to reports, Bruno wants to move to London but is not prepared to force a move like Alexander Isak did. The club insists he is not for sale, but speculation persists. If Bruno leaves, fears grow of a domino effect involving Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento.
Newcastle have banked £170m from sales of Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali, but replacing them with unproven youngsters is risky. Toure, from the Bundesliga, cost £42m; Steur, from the Eredivisie, £23m; and Jaouen, from the French second division, £18.5m rising to £24.2m.
Unfair Expectations on Youngsters
It is unfair to expect these players to immediately replace seasoned internationals. Toure is the most advanced but must compete with Harvey Barnes. Steur's first task is to get past Lewis Miley. Jaouen is unlikely to start as goalkeeper on opening day against Liverpool.
Director of football Ross Wilson has been bold but is gambling. He previously helped spirit Elliot Anderson to Nottingham Forest for £35m—a level he must now match. Newcastle's next target, 20-year-old Johan Manzambi of Freiburg, has World Cup pedigree but also attracts Europe's top clubs.
United need experience to impact the Premier League. With time still available, they must act quickly to fill the escape tunnels being dug at St James' Park.
