As transfer deadline day fast approaches, clubs around the country will be evaluating what business they still need to do to set themselves up for a successful season. One team that arguably still has a lot of business to do is Newcastle United.
Last summer The Magpies spent big to get out the Championship. Although the Moussa Sissoko sale to Spurs gave them a healthy profit at the end of the window, Benitez spent over £50 million to bring in a large number of players in order to cope with the demands of a 46-game season.
However, that same transfer policy has now become part of the issue for Newcastle this window. Although they did win the Championship, the Magpies have been left with fringe players who are not capable of cutting it at Premier League level – in the view of Rafa Benitez. Previous signings from the past also remain on high wages despite not being involved much in the squad, such as Henri Saivet.
Benitez has made it clear throughout the window that he feels his squad needs more quality and the defeats to Huddersfield and Nottingham Forest in the league and EFL Cup respectively only emphasises his point.
The club’s hierarchy has, however, pointed out that Newcastle will need to sell players before they can buy. While Emmanuel Riviere and Siem De Jong have left Newcastle, freeing up wages more than funds, several others could be on the move before the transfer deadline.
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Here are just some of the players who may find themselves on the way out of St James’ Park…
Possible outs
Grant Hanley
The Scottish international only made five league starts last season and the arrival of Florian Lejeune leaves Hanley surplus to requirements. A poor display against Forest will have done little to change Benitez’s mind, and a deal to move him back to the Championship with Norwich City has been agreed.
Achraf Lazaar
Lazaar failed to make a league start for the Magpies after his move from Palermo last summer. Despite an injury to first choice left-back Paul Dummett in the opening game, Lazaar failed to even make the squad in the following game against Huddersfield.
Jack Colback
Colback made 29 appearances in the Championship last season for Benitez’s side but the ex-Sunderland player was reportedly told he wasn’t needed this season. This led to an apparent bust-up between Colback and his manager, which has seemingly been confirmed as Colback has made no matchday squads so far this season.
#nufc unable to sell Jack Colback due to his 70k a week wage! 70k?!?
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Although there may be outgoings, Newcastle fans will be hoping there will be at least a few additions before the deadline passes especially considering their relatively poor start to the campaign.
Possible ins?
Newcastle’s lack of squad depth meant that central defender Chancel Mbemba was asked to fill in at left back against Huddersfield and the rumoured signing of Kenedy on loan from Chelsea would give Newcastle a further option in any of the left sided positions.
Furthermore, a central midfielder could become a priority for Benitez if Colback was to move. Due to the ill-discipline of Jonjo Shelvey, the Spaniard may decide he needs another creative midfielder in case of further suspensions or injuries to Shelvey.
Goals have also been a cause for concern for Newcastle with the Magpies not registering a goal in their opening two matches. Newcastle have already signed forward Joselu this summer but a proven Premier League goalscorer such as Loic Remy would enhance the Magpies’ chances of survival.
SEE ALSO: 4 summer transfer targets for Rafa Benitez at Newcastle United
It’s a crucial week for Newcastle with signings needed to give the supporters a lift and boost their hopes of achieving Premier League safety. A quiet week could cause tensions between Benitez and owner Mike Ashley to rise and while Benitez is unlikely to walk away anytime soon, it is quite clear that already he is starting to lose his patience with Ashley.
Who do you think Newcastle should sign before the window closes? Let us know below, and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @JustFootball and Facebook for more football news, features, and analysis.
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