Newcastle United are 19th in the Premier League for points (15), 18th in the Premier League for shots conceded (15.7 per game) and 19th for goals conceded (43), so it was imperative that they strengthened the defence in the January transfer window.
Eddie Howe brought in Dan Burn from Brighton & Hove Albion and left Ciaran Clark out of the 25-man Premier League squad. He signed Kieran Trippier from Atletico Madrid. And Howe brought in Matt Targett from Aston Villa, leaving Jamal Lewis out of the squad.
Paddy Kenny believes Burn was the Magpies’ best signing, however, telling Football Insider: “I think Newcastle had a great window. They strengthened all the positions they wanted to. Some of the signings might not be the big names some people wanted or expected.
“But a player like Dan Burn, a quality Premier League tested defender, is exactly what they needed. He might prove to be their best January signing actually. He can come straight in and it’s an instant improvement.
“He’s underrated and has been great for Brighton this season and Newcastle still had one of the worst defences in the Premier League. So they have replaced three of that back four, it makes sense. I just have a sneaky feeling Burn will be the one who makes the biggest difference if they stay up.”
Burn spent four years at Brighton, making 85 appearances in all competitions and scoring two goals. The 29-year-old was a regular with the Seagulls when fit this season, keeping four clean sheets from 16 games across the board. He’s a 6ft 5in centre-back who dominates in the air and should make Newcastle harder to penetrate.
In other news, Noel Whelan predicts Jamal Lewis will ‘not be part of the squad’ next season
