As has often been the case for Newcastle United in recent years, the January transfer window has been a barren on so far. While there have been a number of links during the proverbial silly season, the Magpies are yet to bring anyone in and owner Mike Ashley is only actually recently reported to have met with Steve Bruce in order to discuss a plan of action this month.
So, you could perhaps forgive fans for feeling a little frustrated. Indeed, one Twitter user felt that way and used the social media platform to ask the Chronicle’s Lee Ryder exactly what the club had done so far – over two weeks into 2020 – after the notable journalist had shot down a link with Strasbourg’s Ibrahima Sissoko.
Discussions on Giroud and Lookman.
— Lee Ryder (@lee_ryder) January 15, 2020
Ryder promptly replied that discussions had been held about moves for Chelsea’s Olivier Giroud (who is thought to be close to a move to Inter Milan) as well as RB Leipzig’s Ademola Lookman, who the Bundesliga side recently said they weren’t prepared to loan out.
What does this mean for Newcastle?
Sadly, it would suggest that the Toon Army are going to have to wait towards the end of the month for additions, a gamble that certainly hasn’t worked for them before. In terms of strikers, 2016 addition Seydou Doumbia and 2018 loanee Islam Slimani combined for just 7 games between following deadline day switches and neither of which scored.
Furthermore, it’s not as if Giroud or Lookman fit the same type of profile, suggesting those behind the scenes aren’t really sure on what to bring in. The latter, obviously, is largely seen as a target man – in fact, Eden Hazard once described him as the best in that mould in the world – while the latter has made 53 of his 107 career appearances to date as a left-winger, per Transfermarkt.
Right now, it appears as if the Magpies aren’t sure on what they want this month in terms of bringing in a striker, with very little time remaining.
Who should Newcastle sign this month? Join the discussion by commenting below…
