Newcastle United were one more midfielder away from having a perfect transfer window.
With six senior signings arriving at St James’ Park, it has been a very fruitful summer for Eddie Howe.
Jacob Ramsey joined Newcastle to add greater depth in the middle of the park, but there was an attempt to bring one more central player in.
When Sandro Tonali and Joelinton sustained injuries against Liverpool, there were fears that the Magpies were going to have to bring in another body.
Newcastle moved for Davide Frattesi on loan, but he was not the only midfielder who was on the club’s radar.
Photo by Ion Alcoba Beitia/Getty ImagesNewcastle United looked at signing Conor Gallagher
That is according to transfer expert Graeme Bailey, who has told Geordie Boot Boys that Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher was considered by Newcastle as well as Frattesi.
“There were enquiries made for Davide Frattesi,” he said.
“I think there were enquiries made for a few midfielders, to be honest. Conor Gallagher was one.
“In an ideal world, the perfect transfer window would have seen Newcastle bring another midfielder in, especially when it looked like Sandro Tonali and Joelinton were seriously injured.
“Gallagher’s representatives were touching base with a few clubs. He was linked to Manchester United as well. It would have been a loan deal, and Newcastle were one of those sides involved at the enquiry stage.”
Conor Gallagher would have been a great Sean Longstaff replacement
While Newcastle did replace Sean Longstaff in terms of bringing in another midfield body, Ramsey is a very different player.
Longstaff always played on the right of Eddie Howe’s midfield three. He allowed those around him to shine with his endless running power and energy.
In contrast, Ramsey will either play on the left of the three or out wide. In a perfect world, he will bring creativity and goal contributions.
In terms of a direct Longstaff replacement, Gallagher would have been the perfect addition. The former Chelsea star boasts an incredible engine, and is known for his outstanding pressing ability. That would have appealed to Howe, who encourages his team to play on the front foot.
However, Gallagher was still an Atletico Madrid player by the time the transfer window closed.
As for Newcastle, they should have enough depth in midfield. Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton are backed up by Ramsey, Joe Willock and Lewis Miley.