Newcastle could be 'obsolete' as Howe targets January signings

Newcastle could need some reinforcements in January to prevent squad stagnation, says manager Eddie Howe.

The Magpies – who face leaders Liverpool on Wednesday – have spent more than £500m on players since the club's Saudi-backed owners took over in October 2021, but their latest big signing, Tino Livramento, has arrived at St. James Park” last August. .

Recent results, a 1-0 home defeat to West Ham and Saturday's 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace, mean Howe would like fresh impetus in next month's transfer window.

Howe said: “I think freshness is important in the squad, I'm not going to sit here and deny that.

“There needs to be some element of trading in and out to keep the group dynamic new.” A new dynamic and a new team should always be formed every season.

“Sometimes the same team can produce a backlog and a negative product, so I think we're aware of that. But it's about what we can do instead of “want to.” It's clear what I want. It's what we can do that's the key thing.”

Eddie Howe's team news is ahead #NOVOLIV:

“Alex (Isaac) was knocking on the hip; we haven't seen him in training yet, but we don't think it's a long-term injury. Dan (Bern) had a good game when he got suspended. we used that as an opportunity to take care of his ankle and… pic.twitter.com/tkN9zvIoZE

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) December 3, 2024

Premier League profitability and sustainability regulations led to Newcastle selling Elliott Anderson and Yankuba Minteh this summer, during which approaches for Palace defender Mark Guehi and Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga ultimately came to nothing.

Howe knows he probably won't be able to sign whoever he wants next month, but he hopes to add to his numbers.

He said: “I think there is a desire from everyone at the club to deliver that. But then you have to go to the reality of what is possible. You have to make decisions for the here and now, but also for the future.

“We have to make sure we don't put ourselves in a situation where the summer becomes very, very difficult to do what we need to do, or future windows away.”

Alexander Isak is a doubt to face the “Reds” due to a hip injury.