Could Newcastle United make a move for these players?
January is always a very intriguing month as the transfer window allows clubs to improve their squads ahead of the second half of the season.
Players that are most likely to attract the most interest next month are those whose contracts run out in the summer. The likes of Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kevin De Bruyne all see their deals end at the conclusion of the 2024/25 season.
While it is very unlikely that Newcastle Unitedwill sign any of those specific players, there are footballers on that list that would fit Eddie Howe’s system rather well. Either pre-contract agreements could be reached or deals at a cut price be negotiated.
ChronicleLive takes a look at five soon-to-be out-of-contract players who Eddie Howe could target in January:
Jonathan David
David is someone that has been player of interest for Newcastle for quite a while now. He also is a target for other clubs in England as well as Italy and Spain.
The striker has also reportedly decided to explore his options at the end of his contract at Lille. His club have looked at cashing in for the Canadian in January but David is likely to see out the rest of the season in France.
The Magpies will likely be looking to add another striker to their squad as they continue to be in the hunt for a European spot. David would add an extra dimension to the forward options and give some much-needed help to Alexander Isak.
Angel Gomes
Also at Lille, Gomes is just about to enter the last six months of his contract. Versatile across the midfield, the only drawback looks like the physicality that he brings to the game.
Despite this, the former Manchester United youngster has impressed this campaign. This led to him making his first four senior appearances for England, under Lee Carsley, in the Nations League.
Newcastle will not the only club after his signature as Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Borussia Dortmund are all also interested. A move for a cut-price or even a free transfer at the end of the season are both a possibility.
Jonathan Tah
One position that Newcastle United have been desperate to add to is centre-back. Their summer targets included Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmond Tapsoba and AC MIlan’s Malick Thiaw.
Someone that could provide a impressive presence to the backline, whether in January or ready for next season, is Jonathan Tah. The centre-back made 48 appearances last season as Leverkusen secured a Bundesliga and DFB Pokal double.
There are reports of manager Xabi Alonso leaving the club at the end of the campaign and that could also lead to an exodus of players from the Bay Arena. Whether alongside one of the aforementioned targets or just as a lone signing, Tah could be the defender Eddie Howe is waiting for.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin
It is no secret that Calvert-Lewin has been on the radar of many clubs in England for quite a few years now. Newcastle were in talks with the striker in the summer but the a move proved to cost too much.
The 27-year-old has found it difficult in a struggling Everton team so far this term. However, a new start in the North East, alongside Isak and Callum Wilson, could bring a new lease of lift to the 11-time England international.
With his contract coming to an end soon, Everton may look to cash in on the forward in January. If not, Calvert-Lewin has the opportunity to make the move to St James’ Park on a free in the summer.
Lewis Hall has made the left-back spot his own this season after taking over from Dan Burn. With no-one else really pushing the young Englishman in the position, the possible signing of Mitchell could make the left side of the defence one of the strongest in terms of depth.
With the wing-back playing in a five at the back system at Crystal Palace, it could help Howe change things up a little bit. The twice capped England player has made well over 150 appearances at Selhurst Park.
Mitchell’s current side find themselves in the midst of a potential relegation battle. The 25-year-old could be looking for a new chapter in his career and Newcastle might be the perfect destination.