I posted on here a few weeks ago about how strong the spine of the team is and why I think it won't take too long to fix, and I still believe that is the case. For instance, I think the following team is capable of challenging for the title and introducing Rodri to it would make us title favourites:
Ederson
Akanji, Dias, Ake, Gvardiol
Kova, Bernardo, Foden
Doku, Haaland, KDB
Right, now, however, we have two pretty glaring issues.
1. Three of our centre backs are injured and our full backs, Walker and Lewis, are crap. Teams have figures this out and are targeting them accordingly.
2. Gundo is really struggling in midfield on his own. This will improve when Kovacic is back (hopefully soon) but he isn't a silver bullet.
Clearly, therefore, we need two signings: and energetic and quality DM/ CM and a full back of similar characteristics.
Adding two such players in January and getting a couple of our injured centre backs fit would set us up well for the second half of the season.
I wouldn't be against a double swoop for Livramento and Guimareas, if Newcastle are willing to play ball.
Looking further down the line, we'll need a KDB replacement and a back-up striker next summer, but with Bobb returning in Jan, I think we can cope without until then.