The Magpies are taking stock a little after the window closed but have already started plans for January
Newcastle United supporters are still gathering their breath after an eventful transfer window in which the Magpies spent more than £100 million.
Since the Saudi-backed acquisition in October last year, Newcastle has spent more than £200 million on first-team players, putting the club in a considerably stronger position in the Premier League. Scouts are already flying throughout Europe looking for fresh targets in preparation for January.
Despite speculation of Newcastle becoming “another Manchester City,” St James’ Park has been prudent in bringing in top-tier players at reasonable fees given their age and potential.
Eddie Howe hinted to potential targets at his press conference on Friday, saying that players linked with moves that didn’t work out must now “refocus” on their best form. Newcastle are keeping an eye on Joao Pedro, while Anthony Gordon of Everton remained at the club despite interest from United, while Armando Broja remains with Chelsea.
Frank Lampard suggests that Gordon “never got close” to leaving but Newcastle might consider going back in January while Broja has signed a new deal at Stamford Bridge, but may still be a loan option if things don’t go his way under Thomas Tuchel.
Broja automatically moved down the pecking order as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang signed for the Blues from Barcelona. Interest from Newcastle in James Maddison has also not gone away.
It’s all happening for 19-year-old Newcastle youngster Elliot Anderson at the moment after Eddie Howe was as good as his word this summer on giving the attacking midfielder a chance.
Anderson got the opportunity to impress in pre-season and has subsequently stayed with the first-team making appearances in the Premier League and League Cup. The club are working on a new contract offer and Anderson is set to commit his best years to the Magpies.
Anderson’s success has also piqued the interest of England’s Under-21s. He has been involved in an international squabble between England and Scotland in recent years, but it all depends on who grants him a senior call up first.
Castore has announced a meet-and-greet with first-team players.
On September 6, Newcastle supporters will be able to brush shoulders with Toon stars Miguel Almiron, Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, and Javier Manquillo. However, supporters must fill out the following form to be eligible for a one-of-a-kind encounter with the club’s shirt producers.
Newcastle defender thrown lifeline
On the subject of Manquillo, the Spaniard has been thrown something of a lifeline after an uncertain summer. Manquillo started the summer under the knife in Madrid to solve a niggling injury.
However, he has gradually returned to the picture, and his chances of playing have grown as a result of Emil Krafth’s likely season-ending injury. Manquillo will now be Newcastle’s back-up right full-back for the first half of the season.
Manquillo was recruited as a budget option – for just £4 million from Atletico Madrid – and has shown to be a survivor at Newcastle. He joined the club before to the acquisition in 2017 and has made 92 Premier League appearances.
And he might play in over 100 Premier League matches this season. Manquillo, who has played for Spain Under-21s with talents such as Kepa Arrizabalaga and Gerard Deulofeu, has two years left on his current deal.
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