Three players Newcastle United could target in the January transfer window

Newcastle United’s long-awaited £300m Saudi takeover was completed earlier this week.

After the Saudi-backed purchase led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman went through, the Magpies seem to have already started planning for the future. The new owners have plenty of cash to spend and will not hesitate to take out their chequebook to get their targets.

Some of the players in the current squad such as Callum Wilson, Allan Saint-Maximin and Jamaal Lascelles could play big roles in the project moving forward but the Tyneside-based club under the new regime are poised to overhaul their squad starting from the January transfer window.

Newcastle United made just one signing in the summer transfer window and that was Joe Willock, who had a superb six-month spell on loan from Arsenal last term. Presently winless after seven league games, the club needs new players to beat the drop and the fans will hope to see new faces arrive in January.

Whether Steve Bruce will get the backing from the new owners or a new manager is immediately appointed to help the club maintain its top-flight status remains to be seen. Without further ado, here are three players Newcastle could target in January.

1. Mauro Icardi (Paris Saint-Germain)

Newcastle have struggled at the top end of the pitch, managing only eight goals in seven games. A prolific goal-scorer is definitely needed with Callum Wilson out injured and Joelinton misfiring.

That being said, Paris Saint-Germain striker Mauro Icardi would fit the bill perfectly at St James’ Park. Icardi, 29, has netted 36 goals in 72 appearances for Paris Saint-Germain since arriving from Inter Milan in 2019.

However, the Argentinean finds himself playing second fiddle to the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe which could entice him to join Newcastle if they come calling for his services in January.

A prolific striker, Icardi would be an instant upgrade on the likes of Wilson and Joelinton and provide Newcastle with the cutting edge they’ve lacked in front of goal if a deal materialises. The former Inter Milan ace could turn out to be the statement signing to mark the new dawn at Newcastle.

2. Jesse Lingard (Manchester United)

Jesse Lingard has proven to be a potent weapon for Manchester United from the bench this season, but at 28, he would certainly want to be starting games at the club and secure a place in England’s 2022 World Cup squad.

Already into the final year of his contract, the English midfielder could leave on a free transfer next summer having fallen down the pecking order under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

On a short-term loan spell with West Ham last term, Lingard showed he still has a lot to offer at the highest level. With his contract running down, the 28-year-old could prove to be an attractive option for Newcastle, who have struggled with a lack of creativity and productivity in front of goal this term.

3. James Tarkowski (Burnley)

Defensive reinforcements are a must for the Magpies after conceding 16 goals in the opening seven games.

James Tarkowski has been suggested as someone who will not renew his contract at Burnley which expires next year. Burnley would be keen to get a fee rather than losing him on a free transfer at the end of the season, so Tarkowski will be available at a knock-down price in January.

At 28, the English defender is at the peak of his powers and would improve Newcastle’s defensive unit. He is already proven in the English top-flight and could be tempted to be a part of the exciting and ambitious project at Newcastle under the new regime.

A no-nonsense defender, Tarkowski could be a smart addition to the Magpies’ ranks.

I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7.