Newcastle United are setting their sights on bolstering their squad in January, with a right-sided attacking player emerging as the primary target, [according to Chris Waugh](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5954994/2024/12/03/inside-newcastle-qa-is-eddie-howe-the-right-coach-is-4-3-3-the-problem-will-january-bring-solutions/).
However, Waugh warned that the club’s financial constraints under the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) will heavily influence their ability to make moves during the mid-season window with transfers out the only way for NUFC to accomplish their goals during the window in terms of incoming transfers.
“The owners insist they are committed to spending the maximum permitted under the rules—club sources point to the recent £35million ($44m) investment via a share issue—but they are hamstrung in the short-to-medium term by Newcastle’s income,” Waugh wrote. “Heading into January, Newcastle’s position in relation to PSR means they may need to sell fringe players, such as Miguel Almirón, before June 30.”
Waugh identified the right-wing position as a critical area for improvement entering the winter, ahead of center-back, given Sven Botman’s anticipated return from a long-term knee injury.
“As things stand, right-wing is very much the priority position, ahead of center-back,” Waugh reported. “Right-sided attack is the area they feel can be most improved upon.”
However, Newcastle will only proceed if the “right player” becomes available, aligning with their strategy to avoid spending for the sake of it. That, in turn, also means that if a top-tier center-back such as Marc Guehi becomes available at a reasonable price, then NUFC might change their plans and chase him instead of a winger.
Despite all of the above, Newcastle’s spending capacity remains closely tied to offsetting expenditures through player sales, per Waugh.
The insider highlighted this, explaining that even if the club offloads a fringe player like Almirón in January, it “will not necessarily facilitate an incoming” as PSR constraints require careful management of their wage budget.
“Club sources believe it may be prudent to free up space in the wage budget regardless of signings,” Waugh said.
Newcastle’s recruiting efforts will be led in full by sporting director Paul Mitchell this time, contrary to last summer, with Mitchel already actively monitoring the market but only expected to act if a player fitting the club’s profile becomes available at a viable cost.
“Still, Newcastle will bring in long-term targets if they can do so mid-season,” Waugh reported.