4 free agents Newcastle can still sign after transfer deadline
Newcastle United remained inactive in the January transfer window, refraining from making any signings despite ongoing speculation linking them to several players.
While the squad remains unchanged in terms of arrivals, departures have seen Miguel Almirón complete a permanent move to Atlanta United in Major League Soccer, and Lloyd Kelly is nearing a transfer to Juventus.
Although the deadline for Premier League clubs has passed, Newcastle still has opportunities to strengthen the squad by exploring the free-agent market, provided the players in question have not featured for another club since the window closed.
The possibility of Newcastle making post-deadline moves remains uncertain, but reinforcements in key positions could be considered.
Central defense is an area that could require bolstering, particularly after last summer’s unsuccessful pursuit of Crystal Palace’s Marc Guéhi.
With the squad lacking depth in this department, several free-agent options are available, including former Manchester City and Lyon defender Jason Denayer, who recently left Saudi Pro League club Al Fateh.
Additionally, former Leicester City defender Daniel Amartey remains unattached after parting ways with Beşiktaş in September.
If Newcastle seeks to strengthen their attacking options, the free-agent market presents several intriguing possibilities.
Former Liverpool winger Ryan Kent is without a club after mutually terminating his contract with Fenerbahçe in October. Additionally, experienced striker Wissam Ben Yedder, a former standout for Sevilla and Monaco, remains available.
Despite scoring 20 goals in 34 appearances last season, the French international has yet to secure a new club following the expiration of his Monaco contract.
Newcastle’s inactivity in the transfer window comes as no surprise, given manager Eddie Howe’s prior indications that the club was not planning to make any additions unless unforeseen circumstances arose.
Speaking about the club’s approach, Howe emphasized that the decision to refrain from recruiting was deliberate and expected.
He acknowledged the squad’s current state, expressing optimism that once key players such as Callum Wilson and Harvey Barnes return to full fitness, the team will be well-equipped for the remainder of the season.
On the subject of potential outgoings, Howe suggested that no major departures were anticipated beyond those already finalized. However, he acknowledged that circumstances could change, leaving a degree of uncertainty regarding further movements within the squad.
With the focus now shifting back to on-field matters, Newcastle prepares for a crucial fixture against Arsenal in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final.
Holding a 2-0 lead from the first leg, the Magpies are in a strong position to advance, with hopes of securing silverware this season remaining high. The upcoming weeks will be pivotal as the squad navigates domestic and European competitions, with an eye on maintaining their competitiveness despite the lack of new signings.
While Newcastle chose to sit out the January transfer window, the club remains poised to reassess its squad needs in the summer. The financial flexibility gained from recent departures may enable a more aggressive approach in the next window, ensuring the squad is strengthened in key areas.
Until then, the current group of players will be tasked with maintaining Newcastle’s ambitions across all competitions, with hopes that injuries and squad depth do not become significant obstacles in the crucial months ahead.