Newcastle transfers - What's close, what's needed & the current state of play

With two friendlies to go before we have Liverpool at St. James' Park, there is a lot that still needs to be done. But what is the current state of play?

We hear lots of talk about spinning plates, being patient, and deals are coming. At this point, no new signing will be able to play before Liverpool, so they’ll not get any real preseason time with Matthias Jaissle.

This isn’t as bad in a season without European football, of course, so let’s take a look at what deals are making the most progress, and what deals badly need to happen, based on today's update from The Athletic and recent reports.

What’s close

Right now, a deal for Amar Dedić seems to be the most likely. Newcastle badly need a right back, and as much as I love to see Shahar and even Mason Miley playing, we are crying out for quality. Amar Dedić offers up a starting right back, while also providing cover at left back. He knows Jaissle, so should slot straight into the side. 

Another right back is Rafik Belghali, playing for Hellas Verona in the Italian second tier. A cheaper option, but another that can fill in on both sides. This could be a late window option once other more important deals are wrapped up as squad cover.

Midfield is the key area of the pitch where the club needs someone. With Hojbjerg having rejected the club on Monday, we need to look for someone else. Rumours of João Palhinha were put on hold when Villa made a move, but reports on Friday suggested Villa are out of the race, having failed to come to a permanent solution. This could open the door for Newcastle to sign a very experienced player. 

What we need

Sadly, three players are about all that are close, and only one of them, as of writing, looks realistically close. So what do we need next?

A creative attacking player is key. On Friday morning, The Athletic said the club has half a dozen midfielders under consideration. But we really hope a few of them are attacking ones, because it feels like that’s a void that needs filling. Bergvall was linked previously, but Spurs were demanding a hefty fee, one that is likely outside our £20-£45m “limit”.

The right wing is another area that needs some work, with Murphy seemingly for sale at the right price, and Elanga having had a very poor first season. Our right flank is the weaker of the two, but links on that side of the pitch appear to have dried up. Anis Hadj Moussa was an early link of the Jaissle era, but that rumour appears to have died down. 

Elsewhere, it feels like defence and “attackers” need additions, but for now the suggestion is the club want to solve the right back and defensive midfield issues first. With reports that the club want to sign two to four more players, it’s a little worrying. 

There’s still time, just about

There is now just under three weeks left of the window, and if we assume that Dedić is done, we need at least another player a week to fix the squad. 

With a player still expected to leave, the overall squad depth is going to be tested. Jaissle has worked with kids in the past, but it’s a near-complete unknown how much talent is in our academy, especially in attacking areas. It could see the club uncover a gem, much like with Lewis Miley, but it’s a risky play.

As things stand, we feel like the club needs to bring in at least five players. Two full-backs, a defensive midfielder, an attacking midfielder, and a winger. That’s a lot to ask, and it probably requires players to leave on top of it. 

The fans are crying out for a win, and the club has the money to do it, now it’s about the willingness to do it.