22 January 2024 , 11:32
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Putting up the For Sale signs at St James’ Park will cause instability.
As honest and candid as chief executive Darren Eales was in admitting the Geordies are open to clawing back cash to reinvest in new players, the result over the last week has been messy. Eddie Howe’s steady building was already looking to be on flimsier ground after a run of eight defeats in ten games.
On top of that, he now has a squad wondering what’s next for them. On Friday Bayern Munich made it clear Kieran Trippier was a target, quickly rebuffed by Newcastle who denied they’d had any talks.
On Saturday, sources in Germany insisted there was firm interest, a deal could be done with Newcastle and that the 33-year-old had his head turned. Who wouldn’t be interested in winning a championship in Germany and seeing a new league?
Likewise Callum Wilson, who was being courted by Atletico Madrid, Trippier’s former club. Spanish giants, major city, new adventure. Tell me more! But by today Newcastle’s official position was that Trippier and Wilson were too important to sell. End of story.
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Which is strange. If you can’t consider selling a 33-year-old and an injury-prone 31 year old, then who? Newcastle have a point, in that Trippier has been magnificent. Wilson almost guarantees goals when he is fit.
The season would be a write off if they sell key men now, and they need to get back into European, top seven contention plus stay in the FA Cup starting at Fulham on Saturday. Far better to get rid of the likes of… er, well, who?
You can make an argument that everyone is needed, such is the injury situation. But if funds have to be raised to freshen up the squad this January and end their losing streak, something has to give.
Joelinton will enter the final year of his Newcastle contract from the summer (PA)Who should Newcastle keep and who should they sell? Have your say in the comments below
Has Brazilian enforcer Joelinton played his last game for the club? He could be sold in the summer because his contract is up in 2025, and his wage demands for a new deal are too high.
Last Wednesday Bruno Guimaraes arrived in Paris… solely for a family holiday. Nothing to do with PSG readying the ground to pay £99m for him in the summer!? But no, don’t sell because Newcastle hardly ever win without him starting.
Alexander Isak is the best forward in the Premier League and essential to being a top side. Before last week, no one talked of a move away from Tyneside. Now, the debate is whether Arsenal can afford him.
Today it is Miguel Almiron attracting interest, with Al-Shabab in Saudi Arabia reportedly keen on a deal - surely in the region of £30m. That is one deal that would be more attractive to the Toon, given his inconsistency, and Jacob Murphy's imminent return to fitness. It could solve their need for cash for this window.
For two years under the Saudis Newcastle were a buying club, spending £400m, and now they are seen as possible sellers as well, which will be unsettling. Is the season now a write off? The Toon are tenth, and struggling to qualify for Europe, but still have the cup to keep it interesting.
Is there a danger that the tight knit team spirit of the good times could weaken if players have one eye on a move elsewhere and don’t see Newcastle as immediate challengers for honours?
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Howe is clearly on the cusp of having to build a refreshed squad given their current dip, and having to wheel and deal.