Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is facing a critical January transfer window, with a severe injury crisis forcing a rethink of his plans for a quiet start to 2026.
Defensive Crisis Forces Howe's Hand
The Magpies' backline has been decimated, with the latest casualties being key figures Fabian Schär and Tino Livramento. Schär is now facing a three-month spell on the sidelines, while Livramento is set to be out for approximately eight weeks. This situation has stretched Howe's squad to its absolute limit, compelling the head coach to field nearly all available senior players in every match.
With the club still competing on four fronts, the strain on the squad threatens to derail their recent positive form. Securing reinforcements before the transfer window slams shut at the end of the month has become an urgent priority for the St James' Park hierarchy.
Scalvini: The £35m Defensive Solution
One name persistently linked with a move to Tyneside is Atalanta's highly-rated central defender, Giorgio Scalvini. The 22-year-old Italian international was valued at around £52m last summer, but reports suggest that figure has now dropped to a more realistic £35m.
While Newcastle have extensively scouted the player, they are yet to formalise their interest with an official approach. However, given the current defensive emergency, a move for Scalvini is considered a distinct possibility. Signing him would provide immediate relief for the centre-back shortage and secure one of Europe's most promising defensive talents for the long-term future.
Netz and Livramento's Future
The left-back position is another area of concern following Livramento's injury. Although Lewis Hall has impressed when called upon, his own fitness issues present a risk. A potential and cost-effective target is Borussia Mönchengladbach's Luca Netz.
The 22-year-old German is entering the final months of his contract and could be available for a cut-price fee of around £10m this month. Newcastle face competition, notably from Tottenham Hotspur, for his signature.
Meanwhile, the club is being urged to use Livramento's recovery period to secure his long-term future. Despite his contract running until 2028, interest from Premier League rivals Arsenal and Manchester City is reportedly mounting. The £60m-valued 23-year-old confirmed last month that no talks had yet begun, but Newcastle view him as a crucial asset and are expected to open discussions soon to ward off potential suitors.
Howe's decisions in the coming weeks will be pivotal. Navigating this injury crisis through strategic signings and contract management will determine whether Newcastle can maintain their challenge across multiple competitions for the remainder of the season.
