“Newcastle United Faces Deadline Day Decision Due to Sven Botman’s Injury Scare”
As the summer transfer window’s closure on September 1 approaches, Newcastle United finds itself in a potential transfer quandary. An injury concern surrounding Sven Botman might force the club to reconsider its transfer plans.
NewcastleWorld examines what could, and possibly should, transpire in the remaining days of the transfer window:
Newcastle has already spent approximately £130 million on five new signings, while 10 players have left the club since June.
Sandro Tonali, the £52 million signing from AC Milan, has started all three of Newcastle’s Premier League matches. Harvey Barnes, who joined for £38 million from Leicester City, has played but primarily as a substitute. Tino Livramento, acquired for £30 million plus add-ons from Southampton, made a brief appearance in a match against Manchester City. Lewis Hall, move from Chelsea is permanent for an initial £28 million next summer.
On the departures side, Newcastle has recouped around £38 million in transfer fees. This includes Nottingham Forest triggering Chris Wood’s £15 million obligation to buy clause, the sale of Allan Saint-Maximin to Saudi Pro League side Ah Ahli for a reported £23 million, and Karl Darlow’s move to Leeds for a mere £400,000. Ryan Fraser, earning a reported £70,000-a-week, is spending the upcoming campaign on loan in the Championship at Southampton, as is Jamal Lewis at Watford, who has an option to buy the Northern Ireland international next summer. Ciaran Clark and Matty Longstaff were both release at the end of their contracts.
Newcastle and their tactics
As things stand, it seems unlikely that Newcastle will make additional signings before the transfer window closes on Friday. Eddie Howe mentioned before the 2-1 defeat to Liverpool that unless there are significant developments with injuries in a specific position, the squad won’t see further additions.
However, the recent ankle injury to Sven Botman during the Liverpool match, while not deemed serious, serves as a reminder that Newcastle could be left short in the center-half position.
Currently, beyond Fabian Schar, Howe has Jamaal Lascelles and Dan Burn as notable options at center-back. Lascelles hasn’t played regularly for 18 months, and Burn has primarily played at left-back during that time. Paul Dummett, who hasn’t played competitively for over a year, is another option. Youngster Alex Murphy impressed during preseason, but Howe might be hesitant to rely heavily on the 19-year-old Irishman. Similar concerns were raised when Schar suffered a hamstring injury in preseason.
At least two players are expected to depart before the transfer deadline. Isaac Hayden, who has been training separately from Howe’s squad since his loan spell at Norwich City last season, has undergone a medical for a loan move to Premier League side Luton Town. Jeff Hendrick, in a similar situation, is also likely to leave on loan.
Regarding Javier Manquillo, his departure is possible. Howe expressed a desire for Manquillo to stay but indicated that the decision ultimately rests with the player. The versatile full-back has fallen down the pecking order following the arrivals of England under-21s duo Livramento and Hall, as well as other additions like Kieran Trippier, Matt Targett, and Burn.
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