The more optimistic fans on Tyneside are eagerly awaiting a big summer of transfer action at Newcastle United, with a plethora of big-money incomings and a host of outgoings before the start of next season. Speculation persists over a number of squad players who are battling for their future, while big-money targets are being touted by agents across the globe in the hope the Magpies will bite.
But Eddie Howe's old transfer advice suggests he may not actually want that many new additions at all in the coming months. Speaking to former Wigan boss Gary Caldwell, Howe reportedly offered words of wisdom regarding the summer window and not changing too much with a huge amount of new arrivals.
"Eddie Howe spoke to Gary Caldwell and one of the messages he said to him was don’t make too many changes, one or two at a time because you’ll rip up the camaraderie between the team and what you’ve instilled into the players," former Wigan defender Stephen Warnock admitted on BBC 5Live at the weekend.
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“One of the things that Gary Caldwell often says is ‘I wish I’d have listened to him more’ because he brought about seven or eight players in and it changed the dynamics within the changing room. Now you add them slowly, maybe three or four max, you can get away with it. They have to be top drawer players, you have to add real quality, but that was coming from Eddie Howe so whether he keeps to that or whether the money drives him to buy more quality, we’ll have to wait and see in the summer."
So if Howe sticks to his own advice this summer, where should he prioritise? For starters, a new striker would be a welcomed addition. "As an attacking force today, we probably weren't at our best," Howe said after the defeat to Liverpool.
Chris Wood was benched on Saturday for the second game on the spin as Howe opted for a different approach in attack and defence. The January addition has found the net twice since leaving Burnley but looks devoid of confidence at present. Wood proved he knows where the net is during his time at Turf Moor but has failed to replicate his best form on Tyneside.
Fellow striker Callum Wilson has done nothing but perform well in the No 9 jersey since taking it from Joelinton but his injury concerns cast doubt over his future. The ex-Bournemouth striker has missed a total of 35 games through injury since joining Newcastle in 2020.
Darwin Nunez is the man of the moment in Europe but will be chased by every club that can afford his services. However, a marquee striker signing is a likely scenario in the coming months.
At the other end of the pitch, Fabian Schar has just penned a new deal and Dan Burn has made a solid start at his boyhood club. However, the club publicly chased Diego Carlos and Sven Botman in the summer as they hunted for a statement signing in the heart of the defence.
This summer should be no different. Newcastle have shipped more goals than any other top 10 side at present and have only kept seven clean sheets so far this term. Bringing in a top centre-back alongside Kieran Trippier will help elevate Newcastle to that next level next season.
There is clamour for a new goalkeeper but Martin Dubravka reminded fans just how good he can be with a solid performance against Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool at the weekend. Kepa Arrizabalaga and Dean Henderson are just two players who have been mentioned but neither of them will get supporters too excited.
As for the midfield, Bruno Guimaraes' arrival has sparked an upturn in form and caused competition for places within the dressing room. Jonjo Shelvey, Joelinton, Joe Willock, Sean Longstaff, Isaac Hayden and Matty Longstaff will all fancy a stab at nailing down one of those other spots in the middle of the park.
A striker and a central defender would offer Newcastle new dimensions at either end of the pitch. They could help take United to the next level.
