Newcastle on the Brink of Crisis, Is Ivan Toney the January Solution?
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- Newcastle United terpuruk dengan lima kekalahan dalam tujuh laga terakhir, memaksa manajemen mencari striker baru pada bursa Januari.
- Ivan Toney, yang bersinar di Al-Ahli bersama Matthias Jaissle, menjadi target utama untuk mengatasi mandulnya lini depan.
- Gaji Toney sebesar £400.000 per pekan menjadi hambatan utama, tetapi hubungan baik dengan pelatih bisa menjadi jalan tengah.
Newcastle United are under heavy pressure after a run of poor results has raised questions over the position of coach Matthias Jaissle. Consecutive defeats to Everton in their last two meetings extended the negative trend, with five losses in their last seven matches across all competitions. The main problem identified is the sharpness of the front line, where no striker is scoring consistently.
The Magpies' management are said to be preparing to move actively in the January transfer window to bring in an experienced forward. The name Ivan Toney, the former Brentford striker who now plays for Al-Ahli, has emerged as the strongest candidate. According to former Manchester United head of scouting Mick Brown, Newcastle will "definitely" pursue Toney because of his track record in the Premier League and his good relationship with Jaissle.
Jaissle himself is facing an injury storm. Joelinton has suffered another injury and must undergo intensive treatment, while Jacob Ramsey is absent due to a red card. On the other hand, Matias Fernandez-Pardo has begun training again after illness, though his fitness remains in doubt. The German coach stressed that his team must react immediately and fix the small details to climb out of the slump.
Newcastle's decision to pursue Toney is tied to the fine form of the 30-year-old striker. Thomas Tuchel, the England national team coach, praised Toney's quality as a natural forward with a strong presence in the penalty box and a world-class penalty taker. Tuchel even said he had received positive reports from Jaissle about Toney's performances in Saudi Arabia. This strengthens the argument that Toney still has the quality to compete at the highest level.
"Newcastle's main problem is the lack of goals from strikers. They do not have a figure who can be relied on to score, especially given Newcastle's ambition. Toney is a sensible option because of his track record, his Premier League experience, and his relationship with the coach," said Mick Brown, as quoted by Football Insider.
However, this plan will not be easy. Toney's salary of £400,000 per week is a major stumbling block. Newcastle must renegotiate or find another formula so as not to breach financial fair play rules. Nevertheless, the need for a sharp striker has made the management ready to take a risk. Moreover, Toney is known as a goal-hungry forward and has proven his ability in the English league with Brentford.
If Toney does join, he is expected to lift Newcastle's struggling performances. A partnership with fast wingers such as Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes could be a threat to opposing defenses. However, this transfer also depends on Al-Ahli's willingness to release the striker and a financial agreement between the two clubs. The January window will be a crucial moment for Newcastle to save their season.
The question is, will Newcastle dare to pay a high price for Toney to restore their sharpness, or will they choose another, cheaper option? The answer will soon be revealed in the coming weeks.
