Eddie Howe admission on change of role for Joelinton as he is forced to rethink plans

Eddie Howe has suggested that if Jacob Murphy were to suffer an injury in the final stretch of the season, shifting Joelinton into a right-sided role would be his primary option.

Newcastle’s attacking choices on the right wing have become significantly limited following Miguel Almiron’s recent transfer to Atlanta United, leaving Murphy as the only natural right winger in the squad.

The club has decided against signing a direct replacement for Almiron during this transfer window, meaning Howe must explore alternative solutions if Murphy becomes unavailable.

Earlier this month, Anthony Gordon was deployed on the right flank, but the England international appeared uncomfortable in a role that deviates from his preferred left-sided position.

Given his struggles in that role, it is unlikely that Howe will repeat the experiment. Instead, the Newcastle manager has indicated that Joelinton could be utilized in a wide right position, as he has played there at times this season.

Another possible option under consideration is Will Osula, though it remains uncertain how well he would adapt to the position.

Newcastle lacks a clear-cut alternative who naturally fits into the right-wing role, but Howe remains determined to find a viable solution. He acknowledges that relying solely on Murphy is not a sustainable approach, emphasizing the need to provide him with support and competition.

With the club unable to bring in reinforcements at this stage, Howe is prepared to assess players from the academy to determine whether any young prospects deserve an opportunity to step up. Exploring all possible options is now a necessity, given the lack of depth in that area of the squad.

While Newcastle will not be addressing this issue in the current transfer window, Howe has made it clear that strengthening the right-hand side of the attack will be a top priority in the summer.

The club is expected to actively seek a long-term solution to fill the void left by Almiron’s departure. Though unexpected opportunities can always arise in the market, the logical course of action is to secure a natural right winger when the next transfer window opens.

Howe remains open to surprises, but he acknowledges that finding a replacement for Almiron is inevitable in the long run.

Newcastle’s reluctance to sign an immediate replacement stems from a strategic approach to squad building, with financial constraints and long-term planning playing a crucial role in their decision-making.

The club prefers to wait for the right player rather than making a short-term signing that may not align with their broader vision. Howe’s focus remains on maximizing the resources at his disposal while preparing for a more definitive recruitment effort in the summer.

As Newcastle continues to compete on multiple fronts, the absence of a natural right-wing alternative poses a challenge that Howe must navigate carefully.

The team’s tactical flexibility will be tested as they seek ways to maintain balance and attacking potency without Almiron in the squad. Murphy’s availability will be crucial, but in the event of injury or fatigue, Joelinton’s versatility could provide a temporary fix.

The Brazilian has demonstrated his adaptability in various roles, and his physical presence could add a different dimension to Newcastle’s attack when deployed on the right.

Despite these challenges, Newcastle remains focused on long-term objectives. The club’s recruitment strategy aims to ensure that future signings align with their vision of sustainable growth and squad development.

With the summer transfer window expected to bring reinforcements, the current period serves as an opportunity to experiment with in-house solutions and identify areas that require strengthening. Howe’s ability to adapt and make the most of his squad’s versatility will be vital in navigating the remainder of the season.

While fans may have hoped for immediate reinforcements, Newcastle’s approach reflects a commitment to strategic planning rather than short-term fixes.

The decision to hold off on signing a new right winger suggests confidence in the squad’s adaptability, even if it means making adjustments to accommodate positional gaps. As the team continues to push forward, the focus will be on maintaining momentum while preparing for a significant squad enhancement in the summer.