Despite significant investments in the summer transfer window, Newcastle United’s manager Eddie Howe emphasised the need for one more addition to bolster squad depth.
This requirement arises as the team navigates dual challenges in the Premier League and Champions League.
In the recent close season, Newcastle made substantial expenditures, amounting to £128 million, to secure the services of players like Sandro Tonali, Harvey Barnes, and Tino Livramento.
Given their qualification for the Champions League, a feat not accomplished in two decades, Howe expressed his intention to enhance the squad further.
“I’d love one more player personally, and I think then we’d have the ideal depth at this moment with the injuries that we currently have. Let’s wait and see,” Howe told reporters ahead of their Premier League opener against Aston Villa on Saturday.
“Not 100% (sure of signing more players) because it depends on the deal, and I think we may have to be creative with this last player.
“But it’s difficult to make that a definite because, again, it depends on injuries between now and the window shutting.”
The manager confirmed Joe Willock, who missed the end of last season with a hamstring injury, remains sidelined at least until mid-September.
“He has just felt a little bit of discomfort in his hamstring, not necessarily another pull to the area,” the manager said.
“We will probably miss him for the first group of games before the first international break.”
Howe did receive a boost with defender Fabian Schar returning from injury, saying that he has been training well.
Newcastle moved early to bring in midfielder Tonali from AC Milan, with the player signing in early July, and Howe said he is happy with how the Italian player settled in during pre-season.
“I think when you’re bringing players from abroad, you have to try and get them early. I have to compliment Sandro on how he has handled the move and how he is adapting to the changes,” Howe said.
“We’re pleased to get the majority of our business done early, and I think we’re in a good place.”