The transfer window closes in just over two weeks, with important deals still to be done
Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe
Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe is hoping for some late transfer deals
(Image: Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Newcastle United have 15 days to turn what threatened to be a disastrous transfer window into a roaring success. Despite the frustrations of bids turned down, targets choosing other clubs . . . and Alexander Isak's transfer bombshell, this could yet turn out to be a very healthy trading period for the club.
The Magpies' 2025-26 season is going to be a challenging one, with Eddie Howe's squad competing on four fronts. We know how tough the previous Champions League campaign proved to be, and now they must add an extra two European dates to their schedule - hopefully even more.
The scenes at Wembley last March underlined how important domestic cups are to the club, while it is imperative that United compete for a top-five place once again.
If Newcastle are going to overtake some of the so-called top six when it comes to reputation and status - crucially when dealing with transfer targets - then they must be regular Champions League competitors.
To do that, Howe needs a squad that can cope with the rigours of European games witout imparing their Premier League season, and that means being able to rotate his starting XI.
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The goal for most top level clubs now is to have at least two players available for every position. Not only does this create a healthy competiton within the squad for a place in the biggest games, but it allows a head coach to rest key players without reducing the quality of the starting XI too much.
Howe and Newcastle are getting close, but take Isak out of the equation and everyone knows they are two striker short.
Yoane Wissa could yet come to the rescue if a deal can be agreed with Brentford in the coming days, with positivity that the 28-year-old could soon be a Newcastle player.
But he was seen as a Callum Wilson replacement for the squad, not someone of Isak's calibre. That, of course, is a different matter all together. Striker's of Isak's ability are few and far between, but then the Swede wasn't exactly a household name when he arrived from Real Sociedad three years ago.
Central striker aside, Howe now has a squad capable of competing on several fronts.
In goal, he has two England contenders battling for the No 1 spot in Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale, with four central defenders of the highest calibre in Malick Thiaw, Sven Botman, Dan Burn and Fabian Schar.
Tino Livramento, Lewis Hall and Kieran Trippier are leading Premier League full-backs, with Matt Targett and Emil Krafth able to step in if needed, although Livramento's versatility on either flank is a huge advantage.
Eddie Howe could have two different Newcastle United sides with two more transfers
Eddie Howe could have two different Newcastle sides with two more transfers
The midfield three of Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton will take some moving from the strongest XI, but in Jacob Ramsey, Lewis Miley and Joe Willock, Howe now has three viable alternatives to start in the centre of the pitch.
On the flanks, United are almost spoiled for choice, with new signing Anthony Elanga now competing with Jacob Murphy, while Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes are two top-class options on the left . . . once Gordon is free from his striker duties.
There's the likes of Park Seung-soo, Will Osula, Jamaal Lascelles and Sean Neave to throw into the mix in what could be a very healthy situation.
The 'but' remains the striker situation. It won't be easy, but two deals before September 1 will give Howe exactly what he needs for the challenges ahead.