Could Newcastle resist major change in winter trading period that lies in wait?
Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe(Image: Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)
Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe has suggested he won’t lose too much sleep if the Magpies get through the January window without signing a new face.
The Toon chief enjoyed a £200m transfer splurge, and while sporting director Ross Wilson has been tasked with the search for a younger defender this window with Deyann Methalie of Toulouse heavily linked, there is a chance Howe could emerge empty-handed this month in terms of transfers.
Howe, who admitted his admiration for Marc Guéhi going into Sunday’s clash with Crystal Palace, will take a rain check later in the window on transfers. But he admitted that he takes full accountability for the squad despite serving under three different sporting directors in Wilson, Paul Mitchell and Dan Ashworth since being appointed five years ago..
In a season that has not hit the heights of last term, in the Premier League at least, Howe is waiting for the best form to come from Anthony Elanga, Jacob Ramsey and Aaron Ramsdale with only Malick Thiaw and Nick Woltemade impressing from his summer spending spree.
When asked about this window, Howe said: “We will keep an open mind, depending on the injury situation. But it is very much my squad, and it was my squad the day I was appointed; that’s how I see it.
“I don’t see it as I have to wait, and through time it becomes yours, I love all the players that we have. I think we always keep an open mind with every window to try to see if there is anything we need to do.
“January is a long month, and there are twists and turns that we don’t see sat here right now. That is why I am keeping an open mind.”
Newcastle start the halfway stage of the top-flight campaign in 13th spot but still active in the Carabao Cup, Champions League and FA Cup, which kicks off next week against AFC Bournemouth. The wish of Newcastle owners PIF is to become “world class” with former Real Madrid chief David Hopkinson making that clear last year.
When asked if Newcastle can genuinely be on course to make it to that point by 2030, Howe said: “We all want to be world-class. It is working towards that is the key thing.
“I think we have an understanding throughout the club that we are working towards that in all areas. That will never stop.
“I don’t know when you verify yourself or give yourself that label. For me, I think it is irrelevant.
“It is trying to be the best you can be every day and trying to make sure you deliver your standards and do everything we deliver to the players every day, that’s how I see it.”
Newcastle take on a Palace side who have registered a Premier League win since December 7 when they beat Fulham 2-1. Oliver Glasner’s side sit in 10th place in the table ahead of the encounter at St James’ Park.
The Magpies thumped Palace 5-0 last season and pumped out Glad All Over at the final whistle to celebrate against their divisional rivals. But looking forward to this weekend’s game, Howe said: “It will be a difficult game. Their away form is very good.
“Very good defensive team. Solid, tough to score against, and good attackers as well. It goes without saying how good a job Oliver has done. I’ve watched them closely.
“They’ve lost players – whether it be through injury or African Cup of Nations – but they’re still a very good team and a team we can’t and won’t underestimate.
“It’s a game we can do well in if we’re at our best levels. We’re boosted by the fact we’re back at home.”
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