After a difficult first half of the season and with injuries starting to pile up, it has become clear that Eddie Howe must act in the January transfer window to steady Newcastle United. Performances have been inconsistent, results have slipped, and the squad is beginning to look stretched in key areas.
Strengthening is no longer a luxury but a necessity, especially if Newcastle want to avoid drifting further away from their targets for the season.
Defence is one of the main concerns. Injuries and a lack of depth have exposed weaknesses at the back, and there is a strong feeling that more than one defensive addition could arrive in January.
However, bringing players in also means decisions must be made about those who no longer fit into the long-term plan. Howe and the club’s hierarchy know they cannot simply add bodies without first creating space in the squad.
Several players could be moved on next month, with some situations more complicated than others. Kieran Trippier’s future, for example, is a delicate issue. The experienced full-back has been an excellent servant to the club, offering leadership and consistency since his arrival.
However, at 35, and with his contract set to expire at the end of the season, the club faces a difficult choice. There has been no clear indication that a new deal will be offered, while interest from Saudi Arabia and Monaco continues to grow.
Newcastle must decide whether to sell now, allow him to run down his contract, or offer him a short extension, all of which come with risks.
At the other end of the age scale, one decision appears far more straightforward. William Osula’s future at Newcastle looks close to being resolved, and all signs point towards a January exit.
The young forward came close to leaving in the summer, with a loan move discussed, but talks collapsed when Eintracht Frankfurt refused to agree to an obligation to buy. Despite that setback, interest in Osula has not faded.
A potential fee of around £21 million was mentioned during the summer, and other clubs, including Bayer Leverkusen, were also monitoring his situation. Since then, Osula’s frustration has only grown.
Injuries have not helped, but even when fit, opportunities have been limited. For a 22-year-old at a crucial stage of his development, sitting on the sidelines is far from ideal.
His feelings were clear earlier in the season when he scored against Liverpool and followed it up with a very visible “look at me” celebration, widely seen as a message to Eddie Howe. It was a moment that spoke volumes.
Osula believes he is ready for regular first-team football, and it is hard to argue with that view. Unfortunately for him, those chances are unlikely to come at St James’ Park, where competition is fierce and trust has already been placed elsewhere.
Reports from Germany suggest Frankfurt remain keen and that talks between the two clubs took place before Christmas. Osula is said to be open to a move to the Bundesliga, where he would likely receive the minutes he is craving.
From Newcastle’s perspective, a deal makes sense. If they can secure a fee close to £21 million, it would represent smart business, especially considering they paid Sheffield United just £10 million for him two years ago.
Osula may not be the only departure in January. Long-serving defender Jamaal Lascelles, midfielder Joe Willock, and goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos are also among those who could be moved on as the club reshapes the squad.
While a bigger overhaul is expected in the summer, January offers a chance to start that process early.
For Newcastle, the message is clear. The squad needs fresh energy, better balance, and players who fully buy into Howe’s vision. Moving Osula on looks like the first step, a deal that suits both player and club. If handled correctly, it could set the tone for a more decisive and effective transfer strategy in the months ahead.
