· 4 August 2025, 20:30
**When the summer transfer window opened, Newcastle United had a very clear plan for the four positions they wanted to strengthen - goalkeeper, centre back, right wing and centre-forward.**
However, as the window has developed, things have changed. The Magpies got their right winger through the door in Anthony Elanga, and eventually added a goalkeeper, but issues with a certain centre forward have meant that the Magpies now need two through the door.
Meanwhile, the sale of Sean Longstaff left Newcastle a bit short on options in midfield too, but initially the club was just going to muddle through, as Joe Willock went to ground towards the end of the game against Team K-League on Wednesday, Eddie Howe's plans started to change.
Subsequently, the former Arsenal midfielder has been ruled out for four to six weeks, leaving Newcastle with just Lewis Miley as backup for the main midfield trio of Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton and Sandro Tonali.
Jack Rudoni could be the answer to Newcastle's midfield problems
Eddie Howe wants six midfielders in the squad
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As a result, Eddie Howe has now admitted to [The Chronicle](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/eddie-howe-admits-transfer-rethink-32192685) that the club are looking to recruit another midfielder this summer too.
> "We want six - and now we are down to four. So that is an issue for us and it is a position that we are looking at.
>
> "We don't think Joe Willock's injury is serious. I gave it prognosis four to six weeks, that could be less. But I think it is an area we are looking at."
Newcastle have been linked with Coventry's Jack Rudoni
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Newcastle have been linked to a couple of central midfielders over the summer, but with the starting trio very much established, they're likely to be looking at someone to develop.
Jack Rudoni of Coventry has been a name that has appeared a few times, and while we initially said he didn't feel like a priority, it now seems that he could move up the wishlist.
Newcastle have had to step up their recruitment of late as time is running out, so we may see some movement on Rudoni in the near future, or indeed, another player we've perhaps not even been linked with before. Something needs to happen, though.