Newcastle United's mid-season transfer plans are coming into focus, with the club's writers divided on whether a new attacking midfielder or a proven striker should be the top priority in the January window. After a summer of significant squad changes, a winter dip into the market is now seen as increasingly likely.
The club signed eight players over the summer but also saw seven departures, including Nick Woltemade, who joined Juventus on loan. With the window approaching, the question of which position to strengthen first has prompted differing views among the Chronicle Live team.
Case for a New Number 10
Lee Ryder argues that a top-level No 10 is the priority, pointing to the loan departure of Woltemade and the uncertain future of Joe Willock, who has been linked with a move to Besiktas. Ryder notes that Yoane Wissa has filled in but has not looked convincing in the role. He suggests breaking the bank for AZ Alkmaar's Kees Smit or looking at Feyenoord captain Luciano Valente.
Sean McCormick agrees, saying Matthias Jaissle's setup is tailor-made for a number 10 and that Newcastle lack a specialist in that position. He highlights Bilal El-Khannouss, a summer target, as reportedly available in January, and believes such a signing could unlock the goalscoring potential of Will Osula, Yoane Wissa and Matias Fernandez-Pardo.
Striker or Creativity?
Ross Gregory would prefer a top-level centre-forward who could score 8-10 goals between the window closing and the end of the season, but fears such a player will not be available in the winter market. He also notes a distinct lack of creativity in the team, pointing out that Newcastle's best creator is arguably their left back. He would try to sign El-Khannouss if reports in Germany of his availability are accurate.
Stuart Jamieson argues that formations and tactics mean nothing without a finisher, citing the performance at Fulham where Newcastle could have been 3-0 up with a real striker. He believes even a striker who can play the position properly would bring the best out of everyone else, as seen when Chris Wood arrived in January 2022.
The debate highlights a clear dilemma for the club, with the need for both creativity and goalscoring ability at the forefront of planning for the January window.
