Eddie Howe, Manager of Newcastle United, gestures during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Leicester City FC at St James' Park.(Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)Eddie Howe, Manager of Newcastle United, gestures during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Leicester City FC at St James' Park.(Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Eddie Howe, Manager of Newcastle United, gestures during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Leicester City FC at St James' Park.(Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Shay Given wants to see Newcastle United strengthen their first-team squad in January — but understands it is difficult for several reasons.
Newcastle have failed to make a major signing in the last two transfer windows and were weakened by the loss of Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh, who they sold for a combined £68million to comply with Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
The Magpies tried to sign Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi in August but refused to meet his £70million asking price. Much to the annoyance of supporters, PSR remains an issue ahead of a winter window where a lot of teams aren’t willing to sell their best players.
Former Newcastle United goalkeeper Shay Given.Former Newcastle United goalkeeper Shay Given.
Former Newcastle United goalkeeper Shay Given. | -
Given is aware of the challenges that face United when trying to recruit players but believes it is important they find a way to help give the squad a refresh.
“Going back to the summer, everyone's frustration was probably due to the transfer market and the feeling of needing more players through the door to freshen things and strengthen the squad,” Given told NewcastleWorld. “I think it is key that the club keeps pushing every single window.
“The news in the summer was not getting Marc Guehi across the line. With [Sven] Botman being out long-term there was a weakness in that position.
“You’re then asking the same players to go again. Sometimes bringing new players in just freshens things up and gets everyone on their toes again.
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“January is not an easy time to get players in because other clubs don’t want to lose players. Ideally you’d like a couple of players in January but I don’t know what the targets are or what the team up there are looking at.
“Being involved in a changing room myself, when new players come through the door it gives you a lift and adds competition to the starting XI. I think it’s important the club try, if they can, to do some business in January.”
Newcastle have endured a disappointing start to the campaign, though hope Saturday’s 4-0 win over Leicester City can be a turning point. On Wednesday, they host Brentford for a place in the semi finals of the Carabao Cup before heading to Ipswich Town at the weekend.
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