- Newcastle adamant Tripper and Wilson will not leave in January despite PSR issues
- Howe focussed on strong second half of season
- Manquillo reunited with Benitez at Celta
Newcastle United are standing firm on their decision not to sell Kieran Trippier and Callum Wilson during the current transfer window. Despite an initial loan bid rejection from Bayern Munich for Trippier and interest from Atletico Madrid in Wilson, the club is resolute in keeping key players at St James’ Park for the second half of the season.
Check out the best betting sites in the UK and the best football and Premier League bookies with Betting.com.
Howe keen to retain Trippier and Wilson
The club are nearing their limit under the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability rules (PSR), but there is a strong desire to retain first-team players. Talks have taken place with Trippier and Wilson, both of whom are not pushing for a move, despite the allure of joining elite European clubs.
Head coach Eddie Howe is keen on retaining Trippier and Wilson, especially given the ongoing injury crisis at the club. The lack of depth makes it challenging to consider allowing first-team regulars to depart mid-season. While Wilson is currently among the injured players, he is expected to return later this month.
Newcastle do need to generate funds from player sales in the coming months due to their PSR situation, hindering potential incoming business. Howe is eager to secure a midfielder before the February 1 deadline but is reluctant to pay a loan fee for a short-term addition this month. The preference is to structure deals with a loan obligation to buy, deferring payments until the summer and beyond.
Trippier, the post-takeover regime’s first signing and vice-captain, has been a key player both on and off the field. Despite recent form dips, he remains fundamental to Newcastle’s plans. Wilson, with nine goals in 10 starts, is also considered crucial, and the club would need a replacement if he were to leave this month.
While Newcastle plans to part with fringe players in January, there has been limited interest so far. Considering their PSR situation, the club would need to at least consider eyewatering offers for first-team players, but they won’t allow anyone to leave on the cheap.
In other news, Javier Manquillo has completed a permanent move to La Liga side Celta Vigo. Although he didn’t make a first-team appearance this season due to injuries, Manquillo, who previously played for Liverpool and Sunderland, has joined former manager Rafa Benitez at Celta Vigo. This marks the second time Benitez has signed Manquillo, who initially joined Newcastle in 2017. Celta are currently 16th in La Liga.
Looking to bet on La Liga? Check out our top list of La Liga bookies.
Betting Implications
Newcastle’s season is currently in danger of unravelling due to a huge injury crisis.There is still hope that they can make a serious push for the minor European places, if not the Champions League spots and have a good go at the FA Cup. They are close to their PSR limit and although the club are keen to challenge this season, they take these rules seriously.However, letting Trippier and Wilson go is not part of their strategy.
In order to challenge though, they need their injured players back and with the huge blow of losing Joelinton for an extended period they may need to look at the transfer market. This is complicated by the PSR issue and the only way they can do this without letting first choice players go is by off loading some fringe players such as Manquillo. Bettors need to monitor the transfer activity at St James’ Park before deciding on outright and match to match picks involving the Magpies. At the time of writing bet365 have United at 12/1 to get into the top four and 9/4 to finish in the top six. These odds have lengthened somewhat over the past month as the injury crisis has gripped Tyneside.
Celta, meanwhile, need to pull away from the relegation zone and Manquillo, if fit, can provide experience and dependability. The former Atletico Madrid defender is also comfortable at left-back, and this versatility would boost Benitez’s squad. Bettors need to evaluate if Manquillo and any other January acquisitions can help Celta pull clear of the relegation zone. Unibet currently have Celta priced at 5/1 to be relegated.
Check out the best betting sites in the UK and the best football and Premier League bookies with Betting.com.
