Benitez's desperation comes at critical cost: Newcastle January signings rated
Islam Slimani – 8.5/10
A striker had to be the Magpies’ priority this month but it looked as though they were set for disappointment following a failed pursuit for Nicolai Jorgensen, reportedly their top target.
However, the club proved fans wrong and secured Slimani’s loan arrival in a late deadline day deal, and there will some desperation to see him into the starting XI as soon as possible after Joselu’s performances up front.
However his struggles at Leicester, with just 13 goals in 46 appearances, eight of which came in his 35 Premier League outings, means this is still a risky move, and there is no guarantee he will hit home the goals to secure safety.
Another half a mark taken off for this being a loan deal, but there was no chance the club could or would have secured a permanent deal.
Click ‘next page’ below to see how the last of Newcastle’s signings rates