Newcastle are set to revert to their previous transfer approach when the January window opens after Mike Ashley gave Steve Bruce more control over the Magpies’ summer business.
Bruce was keen to add players with proven Premier League experience and pedigree to his squad during the summer transfer window due to the shortened pre-season schedule, per Chronicle Live. Ashley and the rest of Newcastle’s recruitment team acted on that and brought in the likes of Callum Wilson, Jeff Hendrick and Ryan Fraser.
However, it has now emerged that Ashley plans to alter the approach again in January and look to target younger players with greater potential resale value. It is thought that the Magpies are assessing numerous talented young players, one of whom is Middlesbrough’s Djed Spence, per The Northern Echo.
The Magpies are still preparing for business as usual when the January transfer window opens despite the ongoing takeover saga, per Chronicle Live. It now appears that Ashley is planning to add younger players to the squad who can be developed and sold on in case the takeover does not end up going through, per The Northern Echo.
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It will come as little surprise to Newcastle fans to see Ashley reverting back to Newcastle’s previous recruitment methods, even though Bruce’s plea for signings who guarantee an immediate impact is paying off so far with the performances of Wilson in particular.
This approach highlights even more how vital it is that the takeover of the club can happen at some stage, with the Magpies set to be reliant on remaining a feeder club were Ashley to remain in charge. That is a depressing thought for Magpies supporters craving new owners who are willing to show more ambition.
Whilst some success can be gained from recruiting young and talented players with potential, it is always a gamble. That is something which has hurt the Magpies before under Ashley with players coming in and struggling to perform at St James’ Park. History looks set to repeat itself in that regard if no takeover takes place.
