A resounding victory against Chelsea may lift the morale of Newcastle United, but it won’t alleviate the team’s persistent injury woes. The ongoing injury crisis remains a significant concern for the club. Despite the impressive 4-1 win over Chelsea at St James’ Park, the need for reinforcements in January remains unchanged for the depleted Magpies.
The fixture schedule is now demanding for the injury-plagued Magpies, and their recent triumph over Chelsea doesn’t diminish the urgency for new additions. Despite the team’s success, the long list of injured players underscores the necessity for reinforcements in the upcoming transfer window.
In the latest transfer news, Newcastle United is reportedly eyeing a £35 million move for out-of-favor Paris Saint-Germain forward Hugo Ekitike. The Times has identified Ekitike as a ‘leading target,’ indicating genuine interest from the club. GIVEMESPORT also suggests that the Magpies are considering revisiting their pursuit of Ekitike, who almost joined them last year. The team’s need for additional firepower is apparent, especially with injuries affecting key strikers like Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson.
Ekitike, who opted for Paris Saint-Germain over Newcastle United in 2022, made his loan move permanent this summer for £35 million. However, with limited playing time this season, there is speculation about the possibility of a loan deal to Newcastle. While a loan arrangement may suit Newcastle United, PSG might prefer to offload the underperforming player sooner rather than later.
Meanwhile, another high-profile target for Newcastle United in the upcoming transfer window is Manchester City star and England international Kalvin Phillips. The Times has identified Phillips as a ‘leading target’ for manager Eddie Howe. Phillips, who has faced a lack of minutes under Pep Guardiola, is reportedly at the top of Newcastle’s list. A potential loan deal would provide Phillips with valuable playing time, helping him prepare for Euro 2024 and filling in for the suspended Sandro Tonali in the heart of the Magpies’ midfield. Despite rumors of a possible loan move for Ruben Neves, the club reportedly has ‘no interest’ in a temporary deal for the Al-Hilal player, making Phillips their primary target.