Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez says that the Magpies simply can’t afford to make the same mistakes as they did in the summer transfer window.
Benitez knows that failure to bring in new faces in the January window would leave the club toying with relegation for the THIRD time in the Mike Ashley era at St James’ Park.
The Spaniard wanted to get business done early in the summer window when deals fell through for Willy Caballero and Tammy Abraham as Newcastle’s board wanted to free up the wage budget.
But those actions backfired and Newcastle missed out on both players as they were offered deals at Chelsea and Swansea City respectively.
Benitez admitted he was in the dark over the size of his budget but - significantly - has spoken to Mike Ashley about transfers.
At his weekly Press conference he revealed the date that deals needed to be done by and imposed his own deadline.
Speaking before the trip to West Ham, Benitez said: “I still don’t know the budget.
“But we have had conversations with Mike Ashley and Lee Charnley.
“We spoke about how to move forward.
“I have confidence that before January 20th we have to do some business.
“Everybody knows it will be important and a lift for the team.
“We’re trying to progress in the right direction.
“Mike Ashley realised to have the city and fans behind the team.
“For him it is so, so important that everything is right now and we don’t make a mistake like we did in August.”
Benitez’s deadline date left fans wondering why he’d specifically chosen January 20.
But he explained: “I said this date because it is important to do it early.
“You can sign players on January 31st but they need time to adapt and get ready for the next games.”