Newcastle United are preparing for an important January transfer window as the club looks to strengthen Eddie Howe’s squad in four key areas.
The season has already presented more challenges than many expected, and even though the team earned a morale-boosting 2-1 win over Manchester City, there is a growing belief inside the club that reinforcements are essential if they want to steady the campaign and avoid further dips in form.
According to fresh information shared on the latest Inside Track podcast from Football Insider, the recruitment team has drawn up a plan targeting a new left-back, right-back, central midfielder and potentially another striker.
These positions have been highlighted due to concerns over depth and fitness across the squad, issues that have repeatedly surfaced during the first half of the season.
Full-back has become a particular problem for Howe, who has relied heavily on Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento. Hall returned to the starting lineup against Manchester City and delivered a confident display, but both he and Livramento have had injury setbacks that have forced Howe into uncomfortable reshuffles.
Behind them, the squad lacks strong competition, and with Kieran Trippier entering the latter stages of his career, the club believes it is time to secure younger, fresher options.
The midfield situation is not much clearer. Newcastle have an impressive trio in Joelinton, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes, but beyond them, Howe feels the options become thin and inconsistent.
Injuries or suspensions to any member of the core midfield group immediately reduce the team’s quality and rhythm, something Howe is keen to avoid as the season enters its most demanding months. Strengthening this zone has now become a priority, especially with the heavy schedule the club faces domestically and in Europe.
Up front, Newcastle are weighing the possibility of bringing in an additional striker. Football Insider recently reported that the club is growing uneasy about Yoane Wissa’s fitness situation, as he has struggled to reach full sharpness after injury.
There is also uncertainty around Will Osula’s long-term future, and with Alexander Isak having left late in the previous window, the coaching staff feel another forward could be needed if the squad suffers further disruption.
Despite the turbulent start to the season, Newcastle’s hierarchy are still firmly backing Eddie Howe. Reports earlier in the campaign suggested he might be under pressure, but the club has dismissed those rumours and maintained confidence in his long-term project.
The belief now is that strengthening the team in key positions during the January window will offer Howe the stability he needs to push Newcastle back into stronger league form and keep them competitive across all competitions.
On the Inside Track podcast, it was explained that Howe’s biggest worry has been the lack of reliable depth. Injuries at full-back have stretched the squad, and the club understands the need to improve its resilience in those areas.
The discussion also highlighted the uncertainty around the best midfield combination and how vulnerable the team becomes when one of their key midfielders is unavailable.
The striker situation was also discussed, with the club hoping Wissa regains full fitness soon but accepting that another option may be required if departures occur.
With financial room to manoeuvre in January, Newcastle expect to be active if the right opportunities arise. The intention is not just to patch holes but to make meaningful additions that strengthen Howe’s long-term plan.
At the same time, Newcastle are also working to secure the future of the players they already trust. Sporting director Ross Wilson has been accelerating contract talks, determined to keep the club’s core intact.
Sandro Tonali has already signed a new deal, and the club is preparing discussions with Bruno Guimaraes to extend his stay at St James’ Park. With midfield being such a vital part of Howe’s system, keeping these top performers tied down is seen as essential.
There is also an effort to safeguard the club’s best young talents. Football Insider previously reported that Newcastle want to offer Tino Livramento a new contract, aiming to fend off external interest and reward the defender for the impressive progress he has made since joining the Magpies.
Livramento, for his part, is believed to be open to staying long-term if the right terms are offered, making this an important negotiation for the club.
As the January window approaches, Newcastle’s plan is clear: strengthen their weak spots, support Howe, and build a squad capable of competing with the best in the league.
The next few weeks will shape not only the rest of the season but also the long-term direction of the club’s ongoing rebuild.
