Newcastle could go ‘stale’ as Howe targets January signings

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Newcastle could need some signings in January to stop the squad from going stale, says manager Eddie Howe.

The Magpies – who face leaders Liverpool on Wednesday – have spent more than £500m on players since the club’s Saudi-backed owners took charge in October 2021, but their last major signing, Tino Livramento, arrived at St James’ Park in August last year.

Recent results, a 1-0 home defeat by West Ham and Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace, mean Howe would like some new impetus in next month’s transfer window

Howe said: “I think freshness is important in a squad, I won’t sit here and deny that.

“There needs to be a certain element of trading in and out to keep the group dynamic new. A new dynamic and a new team always has to form every season.

“Sometimes the same squad can produce a staleness and a negative product, so I think we’re aware of that. But it’s about what we’re able to do rather than, ‘I want’. What I want is clear. It’s what we’re able to do that is the key thing.”

The Premier League’s profitability and sustainability regulations saw Newcastle sell Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh this summer, during which approaches for Palace defender Marc Guehi and Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga ultimately came to nothing.

Howe knows he is unlikely to be able to sign who he wants next month but is hopeful of adding to his numbers.

He said: “I think there is a desire from everyone at the club to deliver that. But then you have to go to the realities of what is possible. You have to make decisions for the here and now, but also for the future.

“We have to make sure we don’t put ourselves in a position where the summer becomes very, very difficult to do what we need to do, or future windows beyond.”

Alexander Isak is a doubt to face the Reds because of a hip injury.




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