Newcastle United have been boosted by a new transfer update, with an “outstanding” player open to the idea of moving to St James’ Park in the January transfer window.
Howe reflects on painful Newcastle defeat
The Magpies suffered more late home heartbreak in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon, losing 2-1 against Arsenal in the dying seconds, bringing back memories of the recent defeat to Liverpool.
Speaking after the match, Eddie Howe couldn’t hide the fact that it was a painful loss for Newcastle, but he still tried to find positives at the same time.
‘Two really late goals here at home hurt. We have to reflect and acknowledge that we weren’t at our best. There was not lack of effort but from a footballing side, it wasn’t quite there.
“That was probably the key thing, the number of corners we allowed them to have. I think Odegaard made a difference to their overall performance. The weight of pressure eventually told. No lack of effort but the little details have cost us.”
Newcastle’s start to the season hasn’t been ideal, with the Magpies sitting 15th in the Premier League table with just one win to their name, arguably highlighting the need for more new signings as the grind of four comeptitions already shows its teeth.
"Outstanding" Germany star open to Newcastle move
According to WA.de [via Sport Witness], Borussia Dortmund midfielder Julian Brandt would be tempted to join Newcastle in January. The Bundesliga side see it as “financially attractive” to sell the 29-year-old midway through the season – he is out of contract next summer and would be able to leave on a free transfer – with Aston Villa also mentioned as potential suitors.
Newcastle, for their part, are keen to explore the German market for their next Nick Woltemade, having already seen positive signs from the young striker on Tyneside.
Brandt is a proven top-level player with 48 caps to his name for Germany, so it is easy to see why Howe could be keen on bringing him to Newcastle.
Germany
48
3
Germany Under-21s
8
1
Germany Under-20s
6
2
Germany Under-19s
14
2
Germany Under-17s
19
5
Germany Under-16s
3
1
Germany Under-15s
2
2
An attacker midfielder by trade, his versatility also means he can do a good job out wide, while Lars Ricken recently heaped praise on him.
“The things Julian shows are hard to learn: instinctively moving into the right spaces at the right time, playing passes with exactly the right pace. It was an outstanding response from Julian: to come into the team at such short notice and then decisively influence – or even decide – the game.”
If Dortmund are willing to sell Brandt in January, Newcastle should be looking to swoop, at a time when improved depth is needed in attacking areas, especially if they advance into the latter stages of the Champions League.
