The January transfer window is fast approaching, and while a number of names have been linked to Newcastle United there is just one thing they really need.

We know Eddie Howe has spoken about wanting a full-back and a central midfielder. He’s absolutely right, too, as Newcastle United are lacking in those areas.

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But, after what we witnessed against Sunderland last weekend, it’s less about the position and more about the specific qualities a new signing can bring to Newcastle.

Ross Wilson’s transfer strategy at Newcastle is to bring in younger, lesser-known talent from abroad. That’s fine. However, he must prioritise finding something else first.

Newcastle must sign a nasty, combative midfielder

There is no hiding from the fact that Newcastle were bullied by Sunderland in the Tyne-Wear derby. The Magpies looked timid and afraid to put a proper tackle in, while the Black Cats looked far more up for the game.

Granit Xhaka is the perfect example of that kind of combative, passionate, and to put it bluntly, nasty midfielder that Newcastle quite simply do not have right now.

Yes, Bruno Guimaraes is a strong leader and wears his heart on his sleeve. However, it’s clear none of his teammates are matching that mentality, and he’s even told them that very publicly.

Forget playmakers or dynamic box-to-box midfielders, Newcastle need to find someone who will give them some spirit and fight; someone who can match the intensity Bruno delivers week in week out.

Given Newcastle’s flawed recruitment of late, it’s crucial Wilson and co. get the January transfer window spot on, and bringing in someone who’s up for the battle will go a long way towards securing the approval of the fans.

You’re offered £150m for Sandro Tonali in January, do you accept or reject? 💰

Easy answer for us! ❌

When did Newcastle lose their edge?

The fact that Sunderland mocked Newcastle after the game should be inspiration enough for the players at the club. Losing the derby isn’t ideal, of course, but it’s only so embarrassing because the performance was as limp as it was.

Rewind to earlier this year, though, and Newcastle didn’t have this problem. Indeed, they definitely didn’t struggle to find their edge if you go back to the 2023/24 campaign. The Magpies were a horrible team to play against; a team their opponents feared. I worry that’s not the case anymore.

It’s hard to pin down exactly what has changed or where that fighting spirit was lost. Personnel at the club has not changed drastically, with the likes of Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schar, Bruno, and Joelinton all still here.

The only explanation I can come up with is that Newcastle are simply not the underdogs anymore. They’ve ended their trophy drought, they’ve played in the Champions League, and Newcastle are essentially the best of the rest outside the Big Six.

Is it that Newcastle players don’t feel like they have as much to prove anymore? I hope I’m wrong, but if that is the case, they need to shake themselves out of that thinking immediately.

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