It really can’t be overstated just how important the summer transfer window will be for Newcastle United.
Last summer, the club got a lot of things wrong when it came to recruitment. It could all work out in the long-term, but it’s hard to deny that the short-term impact was far less than anticipated/needed.
This summer, there are mistakes to rectify, but even more worryingly, we’re expecting several players to leave the club who will need replacing.
It’s not just fringe players, either; we’re talking first-team players with many appearances under their belts who are going to need to be replaced by players who have to make an immediate impact. We can’t afford to sign players who are going to take time to settle, like Jacob Ramsey and Anthony Elanga have this season.
With Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth’s contracts expiring and Tino Livramento being courted by Manchester City and Arsenal, Newcastle not only need left-back cover for Lewis Hall this summer, but potentially a couple of right-backs.
In his Q&A for his Newcastle Confidential column, Craig Hope has revealed that Newcastle have their eyes on two potential full-back signings from the Premier League.
With Trippier and Krafth ‘likely’ to leave and Livramento’s future in doubt after he’s stalled on contract talks, it’s thought Michael Kayode at Brentford is ‘one to keep an eye on.’
Regarding left-backs, Hope also reveals that Newcastle had scouts at Brentford on Monday to mainly watch Hugo Bueno, who started for Wolves in their 2-2 draw in West London.
“ I can reveal that the recruitment team were represented at Brentford versus Wolves this week. I’m told there is interest in Wolves left back Hugo Bueno and, given the situation at right-back, Brentford’s Michael Kayode is perhaps one to keep an eye on.
“However, the relationship between Newcastle and Brentford took a hit during the protracted negotiations for Wissa last summer. Scouts are watching lots of games but we are arriving at a point when top targets will be finalised.”
Hugo Bueno (23) has been linked before as a possible signing, and he’d certainly be a great addition to the squad, providing the young Spaniard is happy to join as cover for Hall.
Michael Kayode (21) is an interesting one. He’s a powerful player with plenty of running in him. He’s got bags of potential at both ends of the pitch and an enormous long throw, but it sounds like negotiations with Brentford could be tricky.
Tino Livramento will be tough to replace, as he’s probably one of the best right-backs in the Premier League. However, his value to us only stretches so far if his injury issues persist.
Trippier has lost a yard of pace, which is no surprise at 35, but still has a fantastic footballing brain, and his leadership qualities are second to none. So he too will leave some pretty big shoes to fill. We certainly don’t envy the task of our recruitment team on this one.
Fingers crossed, we can keep Livramento at the club so we only need to bring in one right back this year.