Newcastle can take advantage of qualifying for next season’s Champions League by targeting elite players from Europe.
Newcastle may be looking to put down a marker in the transfer market once again as they’re reportedly closing in on a move for Inter Milan star Nicolo Barella. He’s the type of signing to get fans up out of their seat but Newcastle will unlikely be finished there with a host of players being linked with moves to St James’ Park. Express Sport takes a look at how Eddie Howe’s side could look at the start of next season.
Goalkeeper: Pope
Set it and forget it for Newcastle in this department. Nick Pope played a huge role in helping Newcastle finish with the joint-best defensive record in the Premier League last season. He was signed on a bargain deal for just £10million, which will probably be the envy of many clubs at the top of the Premier League.
Manchester United and Chelsea are both said to be looking at goalkeepers this summer and are being quoted fees around £40m at the minimum. Martin Dubravka is also set to remain at Newcastle for next season, meaning Howe can use his funds elsewhere in the squad.
Defence: Trippier, Botman, Maguire, Tierney
While that defensive record was hugely impressive and one of the main reasons Newcastle finished inside the top four, Howe desperately needs to bolster his options. The Magpies boss was helped by the fact both Sven Botman and Fabian Schar avoided any injury issues and the centre-back pairing played nearly every game.
Dan Burns was also a surprise package as a makeshift left-back, but Kieran Tierney appears to be the club’s top target to come in as a more natural option. Harry Maguire looks set to leave United this summer and Newcastle are among the clubs interested in the England international.
Midfield: Barella, Maddison, Guimaraes
Midfield is the area Newcastle need the biggest investment to truly make the step up in the Champions League next year. Howe was short of options after the January window when Jonjo Shelvey left, but replacing him with Nicolo Barella would be a statement of intent.
Bruno Guimaraes is already a fans favourite and Barella’s possible arrival would allow the Brazilian to get further forward. That would also leave some space for James Maddison with Tottenham seen as Newcastle’s only rivals for the Leicester star.
Attack: Chiesa, Wilson, Isak,
Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak blossomed when playing together with the latter being deployed out wide. Miguel Almiron also enjoyed an impressive campaign, although his performance levels dipped towards the end of the season.
A new winger could be a target for Newcastle this summer, particularly if Allan Saint-Maximin leaves. And Federico Chiesa is being reported as a target with Juventus said to be willing to listen to offers.
