September 13, 2024

Newcastle United Gains with Player Return and Transfer Target

Newcastle United feels more confident as they welcome back an ‘outstanding’ player while also targeting a potential ‘Champions League’ signing. This dual boost comes at a crucial time, enhancing their hopes for upcoming matches and strengthening their overall squad. With both the return of key talent and a focus on high-level transfers, the club is positioning itself for success.

Newcastle United Boosts Hopes Against Wolves with Return of ‘Outstanding’ Player

The former Swiss international was sent off just 30 minutes into the season opener against Southampton. His red card for violent conduct resulted in a three-game suspension, which caused him to miss victories over Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur and a draw with Bournemouth.

While Schar was sidelined, Emil Krafth stepped in at center-back alongside Dan Burn, impressively adapting to the role. Eddie Howe spoke highly of both players, acknowledging Schar’s exceptional ball-playing skills and noting how much the team missed them. He also commended Krafth for his outstanding performance, especially considering it’s not his primary position, saying: “Fabian’s ball-playing abilities are unquestioned, so we have missed that aspect of his game, but I think Emil has done an outstanding job; I can’t compliment him enough especially when you consider that it is not his first position. 

“He’s been playing center-half now for a while; we started that work with him at the back end of last season when we saw that as a position he could play in and play very well. He did that against Manchester United last year in the Carabao Cup; he was magnificent that night. It’s an area that we see Emil developing more in as his career goes on with us but having that dual role is key – similar to the qualities Lloyd Kelly has in terms of playing both positions. But Fabian is unique, and of course, we’ve missed his outstanding qualities.”

Although Krafth has performed well in the first team, he is likely to be benched for this weekend’s match. He had to pull out of international duty due to an injury, which Howe has indicated also kept him from training with the team.

“He’s been nursing a problem, but we have seen him in training,” Howe said. “He missed the training towards the back end of last week and the early sessions of this week, but he’s joined in the last couple of days, so hopefully, he’ll be OK.”

Newcastle United Aims for ‘Champions League Player’ After ‘100% Done’ Claim

Newcastle pursued Guehi during the last month of the summer transfer window. Still, it disagreed with Palace, who wanted over £70 million.

The England international was Eddie Howe’s top transfer target, which is why no alternative was pursued. This has led Morrison to think the situation isn’t finished yet. As Guehi enters the final 18 months of his contract, his value is expected to drop.

“I think the only Premier League club that might be disappointed with their transfer window is Newcastle,” said Morrison, who made 309 appearances for the South London outfit across two spells.

“Newcastle might come back in for Guehi in January. I don’t think the ship sailed because Eddie Howe was desperate to sign him. He was really disappointed that he didn’t manage to bring him in.

“Marc Guehi is a top player. He’s shown that week after week at Crystal Palace, and he’s also shown it on the international stage. He’s been outstanding for a number of years now.

“I love that he hasn’t let the speculation affect his performances. He’s started the season ever so well at Palace. I think it will be difficult for the club to hold onto him long-term because he’s shown that he is a Champions League-level player.

“Newcastle missed out on him this summer, they might be worried that if they don’t try again in January, Guehi could have other offers on the table next summer.”

A week before the transfer deadline, Morrison confidently claimed that Guehi would “100%” join St James’ Park. However, he later apologized when the transfer didn’t happen.

Morrison said, “I have to apologize because I came out here and said it was 100% done. Listen, you know I have got my inside scoops. I thought it was 100% (done).

“You have to realize in football the goalposts move. When you lose Joachim Andersen and your new signing, (Chadi) Riad, picks up an injury, then you’re in trouble. That’s two centre-halves.”

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