Micah Richards claims Newcastle United players will raise their game over the fear of being replaced at St. James' Park. The PIF takeover on Tyneside made the Magpies the richest club in world football and the club has been linked with a whole host of European superstars.
The January arrivals of Kieran Trippier and Bruno Guimaraes were the two statement signings of the window, whilst the likes of Chris Wood, Dan Burn and Matt Targett gave the Magpies ranks a much needed boost. The form of Eddie Howe's side since the turn of the year is only bettered by Liverpool and the January signings have played a major part in that turn around.
With Newcastle all but safe from relegation, their focus in the dressing room will switch to securing a top-half finish, something the black and white faithful would have laughed off around Christmas. Supporters have every right to feel excited about the nature of the upcoming window with it set to be one for the history books.
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Eddie Howe has played down any talk of a 'revolutionary' window, but the fact that there's set to be investment into the playing squad is enough to get supporters on the edge of their seats. There's just five games remaining for the current 25-man squad to prove their worth to the Magpies head coach.
Speaking on Match of The Day, Richards gave an insight into his spell with Manchester City, knowing that better players could arrive at any given moment. He said: "Yeah I was looking over my shoulder left, right and centre.
"Don't mention Pablo Zabaleta please. Every transfer window you're thinking [you could get replaced] - we were getting linked with top, top players.
"I think it was Maicon one year, Glen Johnson from Liverpool another year. It does make you raise your game as well. You want to play with better players."
