In the upcoming January transfer window, Eddie Howe, Ross Wilson and the recruitment team will have a big task ahead of them to bolster a squad looking in desperate need of a mid-season boost.
Squad depth is proving to be a real concern at the moment, particularly after this mini injury crisis we find ourselves in with the likes of Dan Burn, Kieran Trippier and Sven Botman all out injured.
Even in the areas of the pitch where we have a healthy amount of depth, like in midfield, we’re still crying out for player profiles we simply don’t have: in particular, a tricky attacking midfielder who can provide something that the likes of Joelinton and Sandro Tonali simply can’t.
Over the summer, Newcastle paid £42m for Jacob Ramsey, who has barely featured of late, and a potential alternative to the former Aston Villa man has now spoken out on our interest after being denied a move to the Premier League.
Stuttgart loan star reveals Toon interest
Bilal El-Khannouss has revealed that Newcastle United missed an opportunity to sign him over the summer before Stuttgart struck a loan deal with Leicester City.
Following the Foxes relegation, staying in England was a “priority” for the Moroccan as ourselves and Crystal Palace both lined up a cut-price deal for the playmaker, who had a release clause in his contract worth a reported £30m.
However, the 21-year-old claims that neither club wanted to activate that clause in a move both may be living to regret after six goals and four assists in Germany so far this season:
“Of course, the Premier League was my priority in the last transfer window.
“I was in contact with several clubs, and with some I was even in advanced negotiations. But it didn’t work out. As far as concrete offers were concerned, it was mainly Crystal Palace and Newcastle, to a lesser extent.”
“What I didn’t understand, above all, is that it didn’t work out knowing that I had a release clause. No club wanted to pay [it].
“We managed to find a deal with Stuttgart. And I’m happy even if things haven’t been easy this summer to be honest. It was difficult to find a way out with Leicester that didn’t make it easy.”
Easy to say in hindsight, but when Newcastle lacked that technical No 10 able to play between the lines and offer something different to our midfield runners, it feels like a mistake to have paid £12m more to sign Ramsey instead.
Ramsey struggling to impress
Questions continue to be asked over just why we signed Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey, especially for considerably more than the deal on offer for El-Khannouss.
Ramsey is arguably the sixth choice midfielder at the club right now, making him the latest summer signing to endure a slow start to life on Tyneside.
Having failed to make a big impression in the 450+ minutes he’s played so far, Joe Willock appears to have gone above Ramsey in the pecking order despite suggestions he could depart in January.
You could speculate that El-Khannous wouldn’t have stood much better chance of starting in the midfield trio, but at least his attacking profile and ability to offer something different would’ve added to a squad desperately lacking spark and the potential to break down low blocks.
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Highest Paying Jobs in the UK 2026 (No Degree Required) – Full Hiring Guide
The UK job market in 2026 is creating strong opportunities for workers without university degrees. Due to labor shortages, rising wages, and demand across key industries, many roles now offer competitive salaries, stable contracts, and visa sponsorship options for qualified workers.
This guide focuses on real, in-demand UK jobs that pay well, require little or no formal education, and are suitable for both UK residents and international applicants.
1. HGV (Truck) Driver Jobs in the UK
Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) drivers remain among the highest-paid non-degree workers in the UK. Supermarkets, logistics firms, construction companies, and fuel suppliers continue to face driver shortages, pushing wages higher each year.
Salary Range
- £38,000 – £65,000 per year
- Overtime and night shifts can exceed £70,000
Requirements
- UK HGV Class 1 or Class 2 licence
- Driver CPC qualification
- No university degree required
Why This Job Pays Well
Long hours, responsibility, and supply chain importance make HGV driving one of the best-paid manual professions in the UK. Employers often cover training costs.
2. Construction Site Supervisor (Experience-Based)
Construction supervisors oversee daily site operations, safety compliance, and workforce coordination. Many professionals rise into this role through experience rather than formal education.
Salary Range
- £40,000 – £60,000 per year
Requirements
- Construction site experience
- CSCS or SSSTS certification
- No degree required
Construction jobs attract high advertising bids due to insurance, equipment, training, and recruitment demand.
3. Security Control Room Operator
Unlike basic security guard roles, control room operators monitor CCTV systems, coordinate emergency responses, and manage access control for large facilities, airports, and business centers.
Salary Range
- £35,000 – £50,000 per year
Requirements
- SIA licence
- Basic IT and communication skills
- No academic degree required
4. Warehouse Operations Manager (Promotion-Based)
Many warehouse managers start as pickers or supervisors and move up through performance. E-commerce growth has pushed logistics salaries significantly higher.
Salary Range
- £42,000 – £58,000 per year
Industries Hiring
- Amazon fulfilment centres
- Supermarket distribution hubs
- Import and export warehouses
5. Care Home Manager (NVQ Route)
Care home managers oversee elderly and assisted living facilities. This role follows vocational certification routes rather than university education.
Salary Range
- £45,000 – £65,000 per year
Why It Pays Well
An aging population and staff shortages have pushed salaries higher, especially in private care homes.
6. Roofing & Specialist Trades
Roofers, scaffolders, and specialist trade workers earn premium wages due to physical demand and skill shortages.
Salary Range
- £180 – £300 per day
- Annual income up to £70,000
7. Taxi & Private Hire Drivers (High-Demand Cities)
London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Leeds offer strong earning potential for licensed private hire drivers.
Salary Range
- £35,000 – £55,000 per year
Visa Sponsorship for UK Jobs
Some UK employers offer sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route. While not all jobs qualify, roles in logistics, healthcare support, construction, and technical operations may be eligible depending on employer approval.
How to Apply for High-Paying UK Jobs
- Apply directly on company career websites
- Register with UK recruitment agencies
- Obtain necessary licences before applying
- Prepare a UK-style CV
In 2026, high-paying jobs in the UK are no longer limited to university graduates. With the right skills, certifications, and experience, workers can secure stable, well-paid roles across logistics, construction, healthcare support, and security sectors.
For job seekers aiming to work in the UK or improve their income, focusing on short-term training and high-demand industries remains the smartest path.
