Our series of January transfer window wrap-ups continues with a look at the business done by a Newcastle side desperate to get away from the relegation zone.
Who arrived?
A busy January at St James’ Park has seen four new arrivals over the last month. Jonjo Shelvey came into the team from relegation rivals Swansea for £12 million and has already impressed in his early days, while Andros Townsend is another fresh face with Premier League experience. The ex-Tottenham winger also cost £12 million and should be a valuable addition to a Magpies side that has lacked width so far this season.
There was a pressing need for a striker, and the Toon got their man on deadline day in the form of Seydou Doumbia who has signed on loan with the option to buy. The other arrival is 25-year-old midfielder Henri Saivet. The Senegalese international cost the Magpies £4 million and has looked good in patches during his two appearances since signing.
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Who departed?
Shane Ferguson has joined Millwall for an undisclosed fee. The-24-year old winger has found first team opportunities hard to come by, having not made an appearance since 2013. Defender Mike Williamson has also moved on, signing for Championship club Wolverhampton after impressing on a loan spell earlier this season. The central-defender was at the Magpies since January 2010 and made 150 appearances over that time.
The other departing player is Florian Thauvin who has joined Marseille on loan. Although there is no option to buy, it is difficult to see the French winger having a future at St James’, given his limited impact since arriving in August.
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Who can help the team?
Of all the signings Newcastle have made this January, the player who seems like he could have the greatest effect is Shelvey. Playing in the heart of the midfield, Newcastle can build a team around the 23-year-old and his early performances suggest he is capable of leading the Magpies towards survival. The midfielder cost £12 million from Swansea, and his influence in the centre could be the difference between relegation and safety.
Jonjo Shelvey's Newcastle debut by numbers:
91% pass accuracy
4 shots
3 tackles won
1 chance createdShelvey show pic.twitter.com/Py4MxyhpL2
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) January 16, 2016
Overall Rating
At the start of the window, fans were crying out for Premier League proven players who were preferably English. With Shelvey and Townsend coming in, they have got their wish, which has also improved the quality of their midfield. Fans were also after a striker, and with Doumbia boasting a record of 13 goals in 16 UEFA Champions League appearances, they appear to have a top marksmen in their ranks.
With £28 million spent in this window on top of the £50 million spent in the offseason, there is absolutely no excuse for the Geordies to go down and the pressure is now well and truly on Steve McClaren to keep this club up. Overall, this window has been a success for Newcastle United.
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