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The ownership at Newcastle United delivered Eddie Howe with five new signings in their first transfer window in charge of the club.
With the Magpies sitting in the relegation zone, it was vital the board did what they promised by investing in the playing squad ahead of the second half of the season.
Three defenders, a midfielder and a striker came through the door at St James’ Park to give the current squad and supporters a much needed boost.
All five of the new faces are expected to play a part in next Tuesday’s crunch Premier League tie against fellow strugglers Everton.
But how will they fare in the famous black and white shirt and can they help in the mission of keeping the club in the top-flight?
Here we rank the Magpies’ January transfer window signings…
Howe will be pleased to see new faces arrive at Newcastle.
Kieran Trippier – 5 stars
England international Kieran Trippier was first through the door early in the window. The 31-year-old brings with him a wealth of Premier League experience and has also performing to a high level out in Spain. Many expected him to move to a club higher up the table so for Newcastle to secure him is a real coup.
Bruno Guimaraes – 4.5 stars
This swoop raised a few eyebrows as Bruno Guimaraes had been linked with some of Europe’s biggest clubs. The Brazilian has made a real name for himself at Lyon as a classy defensive midfielder and he will undoubtedly add quality to the middle of the park. The only reason he’s not 5 stars is because he is unproven in the Premier League.
Dan Burn – 4 stars
Anyone that’s watched Newcastle this season knows they needed reinforcements at centre-back. Although Dan Burn has played as a left-back and a left-sided centre-back in a back-three at Brighton, he is a natural centre-half by trade. With over 80 Premier League appearances also to his name, he has good experience at this level and will bring a calming influence to a sometimes haphazard backline.
Matt Targett – 3.5 stars
On the left side of defence, Matt Targett (on loan) will add both Premier League experience and reliability. The 26-year-old played 17 times in the top-flight this term for Aston Villa before the arrival of Lucas Digne saw him surplus to requirements. Will aim to displace but will certainly provide healthy competition to Paul Dummett for a spot in the XI.
Chris Wood – 3.5 stars
Callum Wilson’s injury issues meant Newcastle were desperately in need of a centre-forward. And they managed to bring one through the door in Chris Wood while, at the same time, taking a key player from relegation rivals Burnley. Wood will provide a real presence in attack and his 49 Premier League career goals is not a shabby return. However, he has only hit the back of the net three times in 21 matches this term so it remains to be seen if he can add the short-term firewpower to steer Howe’s men to safety.
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