5 Newcastle players linked with fund-raising sales: Trippier, Almiron…
A number of important Newcastle United players have been linked with moves away from the club in January.
Earlier this month, CEO Darren Eales gave an interview in which he explained that they must operate within profit and sustainability rules set by the Premier League and UEFA – despite theoretically having almost infinite funds to attack the transfer market, given they’re 80% owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.
“Any decision we make will always be against the backdrop of the medium to long-term benefit for the club,” Eales explained.
“It’s difficult to say specifically on certain players, but I can say that, if we’re going to get to where we want to get to, at times it is necessary to trade your players.”
Magpies boss Eddie Howe later clarified those comments, suggesting that he’s not expecting the club to sell on prized assets like Bruno Guimaraes and Alexander Isak, but conceded that players might be sold to help raise funds and comply with FFP rules.
With all that in mind, we’ve identified five players that have been linked with moves away.
Kieran Trippier
Here’s one that came out of nowhere. Trippier made a colossal impact when he first arrived on Tyneside in January 2022, having been signed from then La Liga champions Atletico Madrid.
The experienced England international swiftly made himself a leader in the dressing room and was rewarded with the captaincy. He was then instrumental in the club upsetting the odds to finish in the top four last season.
According to multiple outlets, Bayern Munich are now pushing hard for Trippier’s signature, having already signed his former Tottenham pals Harry Kane and Eric Dier.
On the one hand, Newcastle have already secured his successor in Valentino Livramento and making a profit on a 33-year-old full-back, who has made a number of high-profile errors this season, would represent sound business logic.
On the other hand, Trippier’s experience and leadership qualities would be difficult to replace – and him moving to Germany, having reportedly left Spain due to homesickness, would be a little odd.
Expect this one to run until the window closes.
"I don't think they can let him go" ❌
The Good Morning Transfers panel discuss Newcastle United rejecting an approach from Bayern Munich for Kieran Trippier 📝 pic.twitter.com/74Fv6TVXMU
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 22, 2024
Callum Wilson
Another one out of leftfield.
According to the Daily Mail’s North-East football correspondent Craig Hope, Newcastle turned down a loan offer from Atletico Madrid for Wilson – and AC Milan have subsequently approached the Magpies over signing the striker on a permanent deal.
Fabrizio Romano has since reported that Atletico have turned their attention to Juventus forward Moise Kean and downplayed the suggestion that Milan are keen.
Wilson has scored seven Premier League goals this season and represents a useful alternative to Isak up top, although he hasn’t been without his own fitness issues.
Miguel Almiron
Journalist Ben Jacobs has exclusively revealed that Newcastle have reached a provisional agreement with Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Shabab for Almiron – an echo of last summer’s move for Allan Saint-Maximin.
Critics would once again point to the ethicacy of balancing their books by receiving funds from a Saudi club, although there are no rules against it. It’s also worth noting that Al-Shabab, unlike Saint Maximin’s Al-Ahli, aren’t owned by the Saudi Public Investment Fund.
READ: The 23 former Premier League stars currently in Saudi Arabia & how they’re faring
Jamaal Lascelles
Another pre-takeover stalwart given a new lease of life by Howe, Lascelles enjoyed a decent run of form while deputising for the injured Sven Botman, starring in the heart of defence in victories over Man City, PSG, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United.
The centre-back may no longer be club captain or part of Howe’s favoured XI, but he’s proven himself to be a useful squad player.
Reports from Turkey claim that the Magpies have received a formal bid from Super Lig giants Besiktas. His contract expires this summer so this represents their last opportunity to cash in and receive a transfer fee.
Joelinton
The Brazilian is currently on his way to Barcelona – but only to undergo surgery on a tendom problem that’s expected to keep him sidelined until the final weeks of the season.
Given that, there’s no suggestion that Joelinton will be sold in January. But his long-term future at St. James’ Park is in doubt amid reports that contract renewal talks are stalling.
Having been adapted into an all-action midfield dynamo by Howe, Joelinton has become an important player and something of a fan favourite. But he’ll be into the final year of his current deal next season and it would be no surprise to see Newcastle look to sell him in the summer as opposed to lose him on a free in 2025.
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