Newcastle could have agreed January deals, senior man shares ‘extraordinary’ transfer reveal

Newcastle United have faced questions around their lack of activity in the January transfer window.

Newcastle have been restricted by the profit and sustainability rules (PSR) in recent campaigns, having been forced to balance the books with the sales of young players.

Eddie Howe has suggested PSR remains an issue for Newcastle despite spending around £240million on new signings last summer.

Although the north-east giants still have plenty to play for this season, they were one of few Premier League clubs to not make any additions in the January window.

It isn’t the first time Newcastle have taken this approach in the mid-season window, having decided against making new signings in January 2025.

Why Newcastle didn’t make any January signings

Finance expert Stefan Borson told Football Insider Newcastle were well placed to agree January deals after Alexander Isak’s sale to Liverpool improved their PSR position.

Isak controversially joined Liverpool in a deal worth around £125m last summer.

Newcastle have since appointed David Hopkinson as chief executive and Ross Wilson as sporting director, with the duo now working alongside Howe on the club’s recruitment strategy. 

Speaking on talkSPORT on Wednesday (4 February), Hopkinson provided an insight into why the Magpies were unable to strengthen in January. 

“Let me tell you, this was an extraordinary transfer window in terms of activity,” said the Newcastle chief.

“We have an amazing sporting director in Ross Wilson. He’s been my first call in the morning and last call at night every day this month.

“The activity has been incredibly high. We didn’t find the right opportunity for an acquisition, but we had the room to do so.”

Newcastle transfer decision marks blow to chances of claiming silverware

While Hopkinson’s admission there is cash available to make new signings will provide the fans with some comfort, there will no doubt be a level of disappointment.

Newcastle are set to take on Manchester City in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final clash on Wednesday, but they are 2-0 down on aggregate. 

Howe’s side also have a Champions League knock-out round play-off fixture against Qarabag and an FA Cup fourth-round meeting with Aston Villa coming up this month. 

While Newcastle’s 4-1 defeat to Liverpool saw them slip to 11th in the Premier League table, there is still plenty for them to achieve this season.

That is why it’s slightly surprising the Tynesiders didn’t strengthen in the January window as they go in pursuit of European qualification again for next season.

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