Newcastle United are once again being forced to think quickly and creatively as injuries continue to pile up at a difficult stage of the season. While the win over Fulham brought some much-needed relief and momentum, it also underlined a growing concern that simply cannot be ignored any longer.
Defensive depth, already stretched thin, has been tested even further, and January is now shaping up to be a critical window for the club.
Dan Burn’s absence has hit Newcastle harder than many first realised. His injury, picked up around the time of the Tyne-Wear derby, removed a player who offers far more than just defensive cover. Eddie Howe was open about how significant the loss has been, admitting Burn had been quietly excellent in recent weeks.
The diagnosis has only added to the concern, with a rib issue affecting his lungs expected to keep him sidelined for around four to six weeks. At a time when Newcastle need stability and leadership, losing a dependable figure like Burn is a major setback.
As if that were not enough, Tino Livramento also emerged from the Fulham game with a fresh knee problem. Although the full extent of the injury is still being assessed, the sight of him limping off was worrying.
Livramento has been one of Newcastle’s most important players this season, offering energy, recovery pace and balance down the flank. When he is missing, the drop-off is clear.
Lewis Miley and Jacob Murphy can step in if required, and both have shown admirable versatility, but relying on makeshift solutions week after week is far from ideal.
This situation explains why Newcastle’s recruitment team, led by new sporting director Ross Wilson, are already exploring multiple options ahead of the January window.
The club is clearly thinking both short-term and long-term. One name that has emerged is Honest Ahanor, a 17-year-old defender making waves at Atalanta. He is widely viewed as one of the most exciting young defensive talents in Europe.
While he is still raw and years away from his peak, securing a player of his potential would be a statement of intent and a smart investment for the future.
However, Newcastle also need someone who can make an impact now, and that is where Bayern Munich defender Sacha Boey enters the conversation.
According to reports, Newcastle have been offered the chance to sign the 25-year-old right-back, with his representatives sounding out interest. Interestingly, those same agents also represent Newcastle forward William Osula, which could help smooth initial discussions.
Boey is not an unknown quantity. Before his move to Bayern in 2024, he had admirers across Europe, including Manchester United. His time in Germany has not quite gone to plan, largely due to limited opportunities. He has started only five Bundesliga matches this season, which has naturally restricted his rhythm and confidence.
Still, at his best, he is regarded as a strong, aggressive full-back with good athleticism, and he was once described as “excellent” by respected talent scout Jacek Kulig.
For Newcastle, the appeal is obvious. With Livramento’s fitness now a concern and Burn sidelined, Boey could arrive as immediate cover and potentially push for a starting role.
The Premier League is a demanding environment, but Boey’s physical profile suggests he could adapt quickly, especially in a side that asks its full-backs to be intense and proactive.
To better understand where Boey currently stands compared to Livramento, a look at their recent league numbers offers useful context. While statistics never tell the full story, they do highlight how influential Livramento has been for Newcastle and how much responsibility he carries when fit.
| Metric (Per 90, League 25/26) | Sacha Boey | Tino Livramento |
|---|---|---|
| Minutes Played | 463 | 976 |
| Assists | 0 | 0.9 |
| Tackles Won | 0.78 | 1.3 |
| Ball Recoveries | 4.12 | 5.65 |
These numbers underline just how vital Livramento is at St James’ Park. His influence in both defensive actions and attacking support stands out clearly.
Boey, by comparison, has not hit the same levels this season, but that gap must be viewed in context. Limited minutes at Bayern, a lack of continuity, and adapting to a highly competitive squad have all played a role.
What Newcastle really need is reliable cover, not necessarily a carbon copy of Livramento. Someone who can step in without a major drop in intensity, protect the squad from burnout, and give Howe genuine options. In that sense, Boey could make a lot of sense, especially if the deal structure reflects his current situation.
With injuries continuing to test the squad and the winter schedule showing no mercy, Newcastle’s January decisions could define their season. Adding defensive reinforcements is no longer a luxury, it is a necessity.
Whether that comes in the form of a young prospect like Ahanor, a more experienced option like Boey, or both, remains to be seen. What is clear is that Newcastle cannot afford to stand still.
