Newcastle expected to 'react', not to pursue incoming transfers: Report
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No high-octane activity will be witnessed in Tyneside.
Newcastle United's transfer activity this January appears set to be limited, with the club adopting a reactive rather than proactive approach.
Answering a question on whether Newcastle will sign anyone considering their improved injury situation, Chris Waugh of The Athletic shared his view of the upcoming two weeks of transfer activity within NUFC.
"There is a willingness to do business rather than a desire, I would say," Waugh wrote. "Insiders have been downplaying the likelihood of Newcastle being busy on the incoming front for months and the window has matched those expectations."
Waugh emphasized that Newcastle remain open to opportunities if long-term targets become available but noted that instead of actively pursuing any transfer the club will simply wait for unexpected developments without forcing the issue.
"Club sources continue to insist that Newcastle will be flexible and, if an opportunity presents itself and a long-term target becomes available, they will react and see if a deal is feasible," Waugh wrote.
Waugh added that any significant incomings may require outgoings first, as the club is keen to avoid the rushed sales seen last year before the June 30 PSR deadline even after clearing the latest deadline with the EPL board clearing all clubs from penalties.
The focus for January, according to Waugh, could involve minor signings for the U21 squad, as "there is said to be a kitty set aside for this." Any first-team additions, however, would need to be players ready to contribute immediately and viewed as a clear upgrade in their position, something that is hard to find in the middle of the season.
"The latter seems difficult to achieve in this window given the PSR constraints and the likelihood is that Newcastle will be quite quiet on the incomings front," Waugh wrote.
Newcastle's improved injury situation, as well as their positive PSR accounting and the potential benefits keeping it that way could yield next summer, have reduced urgency in some areas while calling for patience inside Newcastle.
"Howe has had a largely fit squad compared to last season, touch wood, and Sven Botman's return has also lessened the immediate need for a centre-back," Waugh wrote without forecasting any big splash through the remainder of the transfer window.
