Newcastle United failed to make any signings during the January transfer window, so what is their strongest starting XI?
The January transfer window is now closed, and it was a very quiet one indeed for Newcastle United.
Despite the Magpies struggling with injuries, juggling a hectic calendar, and sitting 10th in the Premier League table after an inconsistent season so far, there were no major incomings or outgoings at St. James’ Park.
That means Eddie Howe will have to continue with what he has as he seeks to push Newcastle up the table, while continuing their runs in the Champions League, FA Cup and EFL Cup. With that in mind, we’ve taken a look at Newcastle’s strongest line-up in the Premier League so far this season, using WhoScored’s stats-backed player ratings as a guide.
Only players to have featured in 25% of possible Premier League minutes (540) have been considered.
Newcastle United’s strongest line-up: 2025/26 Premier League
GK: Nick Pope (6.75)
RB: Tino Livramento (6.77)
CB: Malick Thiaw (6.88)
CB: Fabian Schar (6.80)
LB: Lewis Hall (6.90)
CM: Joelinton (6.80)
CM: Bruno Guimaraes (7.18)
CM: Lewis Miley (6.77)
RW: Jacob Murphy (6.60)
ST: Nick Woltemade (6.71)
LW: Anthony Gordon (6.58)
There are some predictable inclusions in the above XI. For example, Bruno Guimaraes has been Newcastle’s best player this season, registering eight goals and three assists so far, while Malick Thiaw has been an excellent addition at centre-back. Nick Woltemade, meanwhile, has been solid since arriving from Stuttgart, but is yet to face real competition from Yoane Wissa, who was injured when signing from Brentford and is only now starting to see significant minutes.
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There are some surprises, however. Lewis Hall is not a shocking inclusion in the team, and is a genuinely top-class left-back when fit. That said, the fact that he has the second-highest player rating throughout the Newcastle squad may be news to many.
The biggest shock is undoubtedly Lewis Miley making the cut ahead of Sandro Tonali. The Newcastle academy graduate has been superb when called upon this season, registering a goal and three assists in 19 Premier League appearances, while averaging 1.3 interceptions and 48 accurate passes per 90 minutes.
With all this in mind, Howe will be looking for big improvements from the likes of Tonali, Sven Botman and the expensive Anthony Elanga as the season goes on - especially with no further back-up coming into his squad.
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