Newcastle United have an advantage in transfer windows to come after clever money management in the 12 months since the Saudi ownership took the reins last October. The Magpies have admittedly spent £200m in just two transfer windows, first to see off the threat of Premier League relegation and then to try and emulate last season's success and mid-table finish.
But Eddie Howe and his recruitment team have hardly put a foot wrong in the market so far, enjoying an incredible strike rate with their nine arrivals to date. However, there is money left in the pot for a rainy day, giving Newcastle a huge boost when it comes to January and even next summer.
Howe's position is yet to change when it comes to the temptation of splashing the cash for big name, high-earning superstars. Speaking in the summer, the Newcastle boss admitted the club were being sensible with their dealings, taking their time to find the right type of player, rather than panicking late towards the business end of the market.
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"You want to get business done early but time in management has told me that rarely happens and we have to be adaptable." Howe said in July. "The most important thing is we get the right players, not the speed in which we get the players in. We’re working hard behind the scenes to try and make that happen."
It is no secret Newcastle were seeking one more deal as the final hours of the summer transfer window ticked down. Bad luck with injuries already this term has reminded Howe that another attacking addition on Tyneside would be welcomed.
There is no doubt the Magpies will return for key attacking targets in the winter window, with work being done behind the scenes to ensure they doesn't suffer the same issues that plagued the club over the summer.
There will be no £100m spree, as we saw last January, unless the club are hovering dangerously close to the drop zone. But shrewd financial management so far means there is still funds available to further strengthen Howe's side in the short-term.
