Transfer direction at Newcastle United – An alternative view | OneFootball

Lately, there has been a lot of chatter around the Newcastle United transfer strategy.

Some believe we’re only targeting players under a certain age.

While others argue Newcastle United also need Premier League-proven talent.

However, the reality is far more complex, transfers aren’t black and white. They’re full of permutations, dependent not just on our needs but also on rival clubs’ moves, player preferences, agents, and market conditions.

Eddie Howe has stated that we’re not planning to buy “established” players:

“Of course, it’s much easier for me to bring in a readymade, established, world class player. But, I don’t think we have done that since I have been here, because we haven’t been able to financially. We are not in the position of the other clubs. We have to bring new signings in and then try to make them that (world class players).  I don’t envisage that changing because of the PSR restraints on us. Speed is key for us and I have reiterated that many times internally. Speed is key because we have to be dynamic, we have to be ready to conclude things very quickly, because good players don’t hang around for long.”

But what does established even mean?

Is it Jack Grealish, Florian Wirtz at Leverkusen, or Rodrygo, who reportedly wants out of Real Madrid?

Jarrod Bowen is established, so is Bryan Mbeumo, but each comes with vastly different price tags and wage demands.

If money we are talking about, Dibling reportedly would have a higher price tag than Mbeumo. Are we going for him, despite our limited resources, when we can buy Mbeumo for less? I am not too crazy about Mbeumo but there are not many players better than him goal-wise in the Premier League.

Let’s not forget Eddie’s classic misdirection, saying there was “no news” about incoming players while Harvey Barnes was on a plane to the United States after having already signed.  That’s how this game is played. Cards close to the chest. Controlled messaging.

One thing everyone agrees on: we lack strength in depth. Injuries expose this brutally.

So, are we supposed to fill the bench or first eleven with “development” players who aren’t ready for a gruelling season? Can we really expect a 19-year-old to change the game when we’re chasing a goal at the Etihad? And knowing Eddie’s preference for easing players in slowly, they’re unlikely to feature prominently at the start of the season anyway.

Balance is key.

How many of these “development player” can we realistically rely on to step into the starting eleven if things go wrong?

Lewis Miley is a massive talent but he wasn’t trusted to take Joelinton’s place when he is injured.

Due to bench strength, Eddie prefers to change his formation rather than finding Big Joe’s replacement. Willock’s form is patchy. Longstaff is not the answer. Our midfield trio can’t be expected to play 50+ games next season without cover.

This is why I don’t subscribe to the rigid “24-and-under only” transfer policy. That kind of thinking is restrictive. Let’s say for example, Joelinton was ruled out for the opening months of the season. Do we only target potential? Or do we consider someone like Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who is Premier League ready and affordable at a reported £20m, and able to slot in immediately? I’m not championing him specifically, just illustrating the logic.

Some transfers go smoothly. Most don’t.

Let’s say we target Liam Delap because he fits the age profile and Johan Bakayoko for the right wing. Both valued at around £30m.

Now imagine Delap chooses Man United for more minutes and Bakayoko picks Milan for his own reasons. Suddenly, Mbeumo becomes available for £50m.

What do we do? Are we going to go down the list from 2nd to 6th choice, or move quickly for Mbeumo (who turns 26 before the season kicks off) and plug the gaps with a proven PL player, then look for long-term prospects who can be developed in the background?

Eddie Howe has said speed in the market is crucial. So, it’s not simply just about age or profile, it’s about opportunity and availability.

Let’s not kid ourselves: this market is chaos. You’ve got willing buyers but unwilling sellers (like Guehi or Elanga). Sometimes the club agrees but the player doesn’t (see: Ekitike, round one). Other times everyone agrees, except the agent (Ekitike, round two).

It’s a mess. And adding self-imposed constraints doesn’t help.

I highly doubt the recruitment team are working off a single fixed plan. More likely, they’ve built branching scenarios, Plan A, B, C, D, ready for Eddie Howe to pick the best fit based on how the chips fall.

So yes, Eddie’s public pronouncements give us the general direction. but they’re not commandments etched in stone. Flexibility, speed, and readiness to pivot will define in this Newcastle United transfer window.