(Football news) Unsurprisingly, the busiest team in the January transfer window has been Newcastle. After completing a big money takeover in October it was confirmed that Newcastle would spend big in the future. The first thing the new owners did was replace manager Steve Bruce with Eddie Howe. The big task ahead of the Magpies is avoiding relegation as they are currently 18th on the Premier League table.
Eddie Howe has been given 6 new signings to try and keep Newcastle in the Premier League. It would become very complicated for Newcastle's project if they have to start in the Championship. Newcastle sent Freddie Woodman, Matty Bondswell, Elliot Anderson, Matty Longstaff, Joe White and Jeff Hendrick on loan. They spent a total of $120 million to sign Kieran Trippier, Chris Wood, Bruno Guimaraes and Dan Burn while Matt Targett was bought in on loan. Newcastle now have the squad that can stay in the Premier League and try and push into the top half of the table next season. Eddie Howe now has 28 players out of which he can only register 25 in the Premier League. The decision on which 3 players to leave out will be taken in the next few days.
Kieran Trippier was the first player to be signed for £13M. Trippier was the first choice right back at Atletico Madrid when they won La Liga in Spain and is without question their best signing of the window. Trippier is an experienced campaigner who can have a massive impact on the squad and be a leader. Newcastle then signed striker Chris Wood from relegation rivals Burnley by paying his £25m release clause. Wood is a player who has proven himself in the Premier League and has been in quite a few relegation battles with Burnley. With Callum Wilson's constant injury issues Wood will be very important for the rest of the season.
Holding midfielder Bruno Guimaraes was signed 2 days before the deadline after long negotiations with the player and Lyon. Eventually, the clubs agreed a £35m transfer fee. Guimaraes has been a regular and an important player for Lyon for the past season and a half. On deadline day, the Magpies signed left back Matt Targett on loan from Aston Villa. Targett had become surplus to needs at Villa after they signed Lucas Digne from Everton. Centre back Dan Burn was signed from Brighton and Hove Albion. Burn is the centre back signing Newcastle so desperately needed.
Newcastle did fail to land Diego Carlos due to Sevilla's high demands. Jesse Lingard was also a target but Manchester United refused to sell the player. Now all eyes are on Eddie Howe as he has a very tough job of getting these new signings into the team. There is absolutely no time for experimenting as relegation looms large over Newcastle. Their next game is a crucial bottom table clash against 16th place Everton who are under brand new manager Frank Lampard.
Also read: Conte and Paratici keep Tottenham busy in the winter transfer window
