As Eddie Howe aims to add depth to his side, Newcastle United and PIF are reportedly getting serious about signing a Champions League target in the January transfer window.
Eddie Howe: Newcastle missing "X-factor"
After losing Alexander Isak to Liverpool and only managing to welcome Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa late on in the summer transfer window, Newcastle were always likely to need time before finding their best form. Last weekend’s draw at Bournemouth summed that up more than previous games.
The Magpies lacked the firepower that they once had. While Woltemade did score on his debut against Wolverhampton Wanderers, he still needs time to find his full sharpness. Wissa, meanwhile, has been forced to wait for his debut after suffering the most untimely injury during this month’s international break.
Howe will be hoping that both players eventually make their mark, but did admit that Newcastle have so far missed the “X-factor” that Isak gave them for a number of years.
“I’m excited by the team we can be. We have certainly got things to learn about each other and formulas to try and generate that we know will work.
“The biggest thing is the foundation is solid. The team’s playing at strength, but we’re just missing that X-factor that I think will come. With the players that we have, some are guaranteed goals and have done that historically.”
Of course, if things don’t quite click then the January transfer window represents an ideal time for those at St James’ Park to welcome further incomings.
To that end, names such as Conor Gallagher have already been mentioned as potential candidates to arrive. The Atletico Madrid man could be on his way to English football and to St James’ Park. It’s there that he could also be joined by another Champions League talent, too.
Newcastle seriously considering Brandt move
According to reports in Spain, PIF and Newcastle are now getting serious about signing Julian Brandt and are one of many clubs considering his arrival when 2026 arrives. The German has fallen down the pecking order at Borussia Dortmund and could be available at a cut-price in January with his current deal expiring next summer.
The winger could finally get his move to the Premier League as a result. For some time, it looked as though he was destined for Anfield and Jurgen Klopp, before the Reds instead moved for Mohamed Salah many moons ago. Now, years on, he could come back to haunt the Reds in Newcastle colours.
Although he’s fallen out of favour in Germany, Brandt could provide Howe with the versatility that he needs in his current squad. The Dortmund ace can play in attacking midfield and on both flanks in what would offer Newcastle support across their attack.
Having been praised as “outstanding” by teammate Nico Schlotterbeck in 2023, the 29-year-old still has plenty to offer if he gets back to his best form. Whether Newcastle get ahead of Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur in the race for his signature remains to be seen, however.