When that deal collapsed, Newcastle United changed their approach and targeted a winger.
Newcastle United tried and failed to sign Anthony Elanga, with the Magpies unable to agree a deal with Nottingham Forest for the Sweden international. It was the second time that this had happened this summer, after Newcastle tried to sign Elanga back in June.
But there was at least some good news to come out of the club on transfer deadline day, even if it had nothing to do with transfers.
Eddie Howe the head coach / manager of Newcastle United applauds the fans at full time following the penalty shoot out win during the Carabao Cup S...
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Eddie Howe’s encouraging update on Joe Willock
Amid the drama of deadline day, Eddie Howe had to speak to the media ahead of Newcastle United’s Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur.
The Newcastle boss was asked a plethora of questions about the club’s lack of transfer activity, while he also provided an update on Joe Willock‘s fitness. This came after he was forced off early with a thigh problem during Newcastle’s Carabao Cup win over Nottingham Forest.
MORE NEWCASTLE STORIES
“Joe had a scan yesterday, an early scan,” he said.
“It is relatively good news.
“I don’t think it is a serious injury, but it is early, so we will re-scan again in a few days again just to confirm that.”
Newcastle need Willock even more after deadline day debacle
It is great to hear that Willock has not suffered a major injury.
There was a lot of concern when he was forced off on Wednesday night. He looked absolutely devastated when Bruno Guimaraes replaced him in the 15th minute, having given Newcastle the lead within 18 seconds.
Given the season he endured last year, there was a sense of panic when Willock went down with another injury. And with the look on his face, there was a fear he could be set for another lengthy spell on the sidelines.
However, that might not be the case, which is excellent news.
And the timing of this Willock update is excellent, after Newcastle failed to strengthen their squad on transfer deadline day.
With no more attacking options, it is vitally important that Howe has Willock available. He adds much needed creativity in midfield, while his presence in a central area could allow Joelinton to operate out wide.
That is certainly an option for Howe to explore, with Willock and Joelinton dovetailing brilliantly down the left during the 2022/23 season.
And there is even more reason for Howe to explore it, with no winger joining the club this summer.
It was a rotten transfer window, and a frustrating deadline day. The fact that the Willock update was the best news from Friday sums that up.
0 Comments