There were hopes at the start of the current season that Newcastle United could rediscover the form that saw them qualify for the Champions League in 2022/23.
Without the distraction of European football, the Magpies boasted an advantage over their Premier League rivals, but their 2024/25 season has been far from plain sailing.
Newcastle have blown hot and cold all season. They have beaten Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, while also drawing with Liverpool and Manchester City. However, they have often dropped points in winnable games, including against West Ham United, Crystal Palace and Everton.
However, Eddie Howe's side are in a strong position to attack the second half of the campaign. They are just five points behind current fourth-placed Nottingham Forest and have a Carabao Cup semi-final to look forward to at the start of the new year. With a few additions in January, they can enjoy an unforgettable campaign.
Here are the areas Newcastle can aim for the winter window.
Newcastle were desperate to add to their centre-backs in the summer. They bought Lloyd Kelly on a free transfer but failed in their bid to recruit a big-name defender capable of slotting effortlessly into their back line.
Long-term injuries to Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles only intensified the need for reinforcements, with Fabian Schar and Dan Burn having to hold down the fort down the stretch last season. They have been the preferred centre-back partnership out of necessity after a summer without a significant centre-back signing.
January offers an opportunity for Newcastle to dip back into the market for a shiny young defender, although the upcoming returns of Botman and Lascelles ease the pressure on the recruitment team.
Main objectives
Newcastle were keen to sign him Marc Guehi over any other defender during the summer but Many bids were rejected for the Crystal Palace centre-back. However, the Magpies could push again for the England international in January and hope for him a decrease in its value.
Newcastle are also in a strong position to sign the Lens centre-back, according to reports in France Abdukodir Khusanov in January. The 20-year-old defender from Uzbekistan is likely to command a fee of £20-25m.
There are also suggestions that the Magpies could spark a pursuit of the former Chelsea centre-back Fikayo Tomori in winter. The Milan centre-back and England international could be available for just £25m.
Newcastle have some impressive options in wide areas. Anthony Gordon is one of the Premier League's most exciting wingers and recently signed a new deal at St James' Park. Harvey Barnes has proven to be an excellent option when fit. Jacob Murphy has enjoyed an extremely impressive season despite not being the most glamorous name on the team stage.
However, there is a feeling that the right wing is still an area that needs improvement quite urgently. Newcastle lack depth on that particular wing – an issue that could be exacerbated by the potential departure of Miguel Almiron during the January window.
To push for Champions League qualification and domestic cup silverware, another quality option at right-back could be crucial.
Main objectives
Newcastle did not sign any wingers in the summer and actually lost Yankuba Minteh as they tried to comply with profit and stability regulations. However, they can make a move for Johan Bakayoko in January, with the PSV Eindhoven and Belgium winger having long interested the European elite.
The left-winger, who is just 21, looks the most likely attacking signing for the Magpies during the January window.
There have been reports suggesting that Newcastle are interested in the impressive Southampton teenager Tyler Dibling. The youngster, who can play in a variety of positions, has been almost the only bright spark for the Saints this season after coming out of the academy.
However, he could be an expensive addition, with former Saints manager Russell Martin claiming Dibling's reported £21m price tag would not even be “take his left leg”.
Newcastle already boast one of Europe's most exciting strikers. Alexander Isak has once again shown his ruthlessness and elite quality during the 2024/25 season, with over ten goals already in all competitions. However, options are few for the Magpies beyond their outstanding Swede.
Callum Wilson's injury problems have continued to plague him this season and the forward has played just four Premier League games. He is back in the treatment room at the moment and is unlikely to feature again until February, with a move away on a free transfer this summer looking increasingly likely.
Newcastle signed highly-rated Denmark Under-21 player William Osula for £15m in the summer, but he is yet to win over Howe, with the Magpies possibly recruiting a new striker this January.
Main objectives
Newcastle are not the only club currently chasing the Eintracht Frankfurt striker Omar Marmoush. The Egyptian has been sensational this season, scoring 18 goals in all competitions so far, and the 25-year-old has already won the Bundesliga Player of the Month twice this season. Liverpool have also been linked.
Bryan Mbeumowho can feature as a winger or striker, has also been linked with a move to Tyneside, but his mid-season departure from Brentford would be extremely challenging.
Newcastle have recently been linked with a move for the PAOK youngster Stefanos Tzimas after an impressive loan spell with Nurnberg. However, the Greek striker would be a project player and could be loaned out if the Magpies were to land his signature.