'No guarantee' Newcastle will sign anyone in January: Report
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Party pooping is coming furiously.
Newcastle United's January transfer business remains far from guaranteed, with the club maintaining a measured approach despite growing concerns over squad depth following Callum Wilson's latest injury.
The Athletic's Chris Waugh reports that while there is "a desire throughout all levels of the club to strengthen," Newcastle's priorities remain firmly intact, focusing on a right-sided attacker or a center-half rather than rushing to address their central striker situation.
"There is no guarantee Newcastle will sign anyone, even if there is a desire throughout all levels of the club to strengthen, but the focus remains a right-sided attacker or a centre-half," Waugh wrote in a Q&A published on Monday. "Newcastle will be flexible and could pivot to another position if a player they have admired long-term becomes available, but the belief is those are the two positions they could most feasibly improve."
Despite Wilson's hamstring injury ruling him out for around eight weeks, Newcastle's reluctance to deviate from their initial transfer plan highlights their limitations under the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
"The issue with signing a senior centre-forward remains that, with Alexander Isak the first choice, what caliber of striker could Newcastle attract to come in as his deputy?" Waugh wondered. "Beyond that, wages and transfer fees remain restricted by limitations governed by PSR."
Wilson's injury effectively rules out any potential January departure, with his salary remaining on Newcastle's books until next summer. Whether the club will exercise a one-year extension in his contract remains uncertain, according to Waugh.
For now, Anthony Gordon is viewed as Isak's backup option, while promising youngster William Osula could see increased minutes if only because of the glaring lack of depth.
Should Alexander Isak pick up an injury, Waugh suggests short-term plans could shift, but for now, the club's strategy remains resolute.
It looks like NUFC will just be cautious when it comes to spending given their limited flexibility and will only focus on trying, if anything, to improve their right-wing and defensive depth during the winter transfer window—if the "right player" becomes available.
