Eddie Howe Fears Newcastle Could Go ‘Stale’ Amid Uncertainty Over January Signings

Eddie Howe has admitted concerns over his current Newcastle squad amid hopes they will make some signings during the January transfer window.

After a top-four finish in the 2022-23 season, the Magpies have since slid down the Premier League table.

Two transfer windows have passed without much improvement to the starting XI. There have also been some sales, while players like Kieran Trippier and Callum Wilson are featuring less.

The PSR rules are hampering their business in the transfer market, though Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is keen to strengthen the squad with some January signings.

Only four sides have scored fewer than Newcastle (14) in the Premier League this season.,

Howe’s Concern Amid January Signings Uncertainty

Ahead of Newcastle’s clash with table-toppers Liverpool on Wednesday, Howe has spoken about January signings and his current squad.

He said: “I think there is a desire from everyone at the club to deliver that. ‘I think freshness is important in a squad, I won’t sit here and deny that. There needs to be a certain element of trading in and out to keep the group dynamic new.

“A new dynamic and a new team always has to form every season. Sometimes, the same squad can produce a staleness and a negative product. So, I think we’re aware of that. But it’s about what we’re able to do rather than, “I want”. “I want” is clear. It’s what we’re able to do that is the key thing.”

Newcastle boss Howe sounds keen to make January signings given his use of the word ‘stale’.

He added: “We haven’t had a huge turnover of players and that’s a slight concern. But if you bring too many players in, that can have a negative impact in terms of upheaval of the team and relationships not forming.

“You can keep that staleness away in various ways. Innovation from us in terms of the team, training, team-building and different things to make sure the players are not coming into the same environment.”