Eddie Howe has already admitted Newcastle United’s current league position will pose a ‘concern’ for potential January transfer targets.
The Magpies have won just once in all competitions this season so far, and currently sit three points adrift of safety with Manchester United the visitors on December 27.
The ambitions of the new owners and the team’s current predicament means moves are expected to be made in the mid-season window
The ambitions of the new owners and the team’s current predicament means moves are expected to be made in the mid-season window.
Speculation over dozens of names and superstar recruits has been rife, with pundits estimating Howe needs to target anything upwards from five or six signings.
The head coach has stressed January is a ‘notoriously difficult’ window in normal circumstances, and that is before considering Newcastle’s desperate need for reinforcements and the raised expectations brought about by the takeover.
That is all before considering another factor that previously could have played into the Magpies’ hands in a World Cup year.
Previous January windows ahead of a summer showpiece would have been seen as a last chance for international stars to stake their claim to earn a place in their respective 23-man squads.
Danny Rose was the last mid-season Magpies recruit to sign with the stated intention of earning game-time at St James’ Park to earn a recall for England.
A traditional summer World Cup would likely have forced the hands of reported targets such as Manchester United duo Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial, both of whom currently sit on the periphery for both club and country.
Instead, a start date of November 21 for the Qatar tournament means players will inevitably feel less pressure to push for a move at this state.