Rafa Benitez keeps referring to the January transfer window, but why on earth would anyone want to come play for a Newcastle United side that is in shambles?
There has been a lot of talk about the January transfer window on Tyneside, but Rafa Benitez and most club supporters are undermining one key factor – it will be impossible to convince any quality player to come play for Newcastle United when they could be relegated.
Hopefully Newcastle can string together some meaningful victories to climb the table between now and the end of December, but the club’s recent form does not generate any optimism. The fact that Newcastle dropped crucial points against teams like Cardiff City (draw), Crystal Palace (draw), Leicester City (loss), Brighton (loss) and Southampton (draw) makes even the most fervent supporters realize that relegation is very likely this season.
This poor run of form also goes to show that Newcastle simply over-achieved in a weak Premier League last term. Every team except for Newcastle has spent large sums of money to improve and become more competitive during this campaign. The Magpies are desperate for the arrival of some new talent in January to fight for a mid-table spot, but who would be willing to take the risk to come play for this team?
How to Attract Players?
There are only two ways to attract players to Newcastle when the January transfer window opens. The first method is centered on money and lots of it. Football has changed dramatically over the last decade as money is far more appealing for players than club loyalty. Newcastle have the budget to purchase some big name players, but Mike Ashley is the one who needs to push his greed aside and cough up on the money – at least £50 million.
You all agree with me, but, unfortunately, you cannot stop shaking your heads because you know that Ashley will never provide the money Benitez needs. This leads me to the second and most realistic method that could work for Newcastle – win at least four more matches before January.
On Saturday, Newcastle finally claimed their first victory of the season after beating Watford 1-0 at home. Four more wins (12 points) would make the world of difference. Newcastle are certainly capable of defeating Burnley (A), West Ham (H), Huddersfield Town (A) and Fulham (H) between now and December 22nd. Four victories in those matches would give Newcastle 18 points. Any other upsets or draws along the way would be even better.
Most players in Europe dream of the chance to play in the Premier League, but nobody wants to complete a transfer move to a side with one victory after four months of league play. Newcastle need to realize how dangerous their current table placement is and use that as motivation to get some results before the new year. Otherwise, Benitez can keep dreaming about quality players arriving in January.