Exclusive: Newcastle United’s Two-Man January Signing Plan Revealed After ‘Huge’ Blow

Newcastle United are prioritizing the signing of a new centre-back and a new left-back during the January transfer window, driven by a mounting injury crisis in their defense.[1]

The Magpies have recently regained form despite key absences, including Tino Livramento, Dan Burn, and Fabian Schär. Fringe players Emil Krafth and Jamaal Lascelles are also sidelined, leaving manager Eddie Howe admitting the squad is "really stretched."[1] With limited options—primarily Malick Thiaw, Sven Botman, Lewis Hall, Kieran Trippier, and even Lewis Miley filling in at right-back—any further injuries could force action.[1]

Howe has hinted at market intervention if needed, focusing first on defensive reinforcements. Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, a source detailed: “The squad has been stretched to the limit... Losing Livramento is a huge blow because he can play right-back and left-back. Dan Burn has been a big miss too.” Funds appear available for a centre-back and possibly a left-back, with monitoring ongoing until the window closes.[1]

This plan follows a "huge blow" from injuries, as Newcastle navigates Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). Howe emphasized reactive decision-making: “If there is money to spend, the club are willing to spend it... PSR is constantly moving and changing.”[1][3] No other positions are prioritized ahead of these defensive needs amid the crisis.[1]

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