Newcastle United are going to be back in the Champions League next season, and that will have its financial benefits.
Finishing in the top four will lift some of the pressure of financial fair play, and allow Newcastle to splash the cash on new recruits.
It has been reported that the Magpies want four ‘elite signings‘, and with that in mind this is a potential Newcastle XI for the 2023/24 season
Nick Pope
For all the money spent by Newcastle since the takeover, the deal to sign Nick Pope was an absolute bargain. He has enjoyed a sensational first year on Tyneside, and will be our first choice stopper for a while yet.
Kieran Trippier
Captain, leader, legend. Kieran Trippier is the standard bearer at St James’ Park, and his experience will be invaluable as we return to the Champions League for the first time since 2003.
Fabian Schar
There is talk of Newcastle targeting a new centre-back ahead of next season. Whether one does or does not arrive, Fabian Schar should be starting the new campaign as first choice. He is revitalised under Eddie Howe, and will probably benefit from some fresh competition.
Sven Botman
The 23-year-old is enjoying a stellar debut year in the Premier League, and is only going to get better. That is a worrying thought for Premier League defenders trying to get the better of our Dutch Rolls Royce.
Kieran Tierney
The first of four ‘elite’ signings. A new left-back is a priority for the Magpies this summer, and Kieran Tierney looks like the perfect addition. He would add more balance to our side, as a lot of our attacks often go down the right due to Trippier’s attacking instincts. Signing Tierney would allow us to exploit the left flank more, and give him the chance to play regularly after a frustrating year at Arsenal.
Bruno Guimaraes
As well as some elite signings, hopefully one of our already elite players signs a new contract. That is reportedly the plan for Bruno Guimaraes, who will be looking to play higher up the pitch next season.
Khephren Thuram
Declan Rice would be the dream addition in this position, but he is likely to be out of Newcastle’s price range. Therefore, we have gone with Nice midfielder Khephren Thuram, who has been linked with a move to Tyneside. His brother is also a target, but the 22-year-old would be a smarter addition. He can be the defensive midfielder we need, allowing Bruno to play in a more advanced role. However, he would face competition from Sean Longstaff and Joe Willock.
Joelinton
Joelinton gets in the side ahead of Willock and Longstaff, who are both very unlucky to miss out. However, they will be valuable members of the squad during what is going to be a tough campaign with additional fixtures due to competing in Europe.
Moussa Diaby
Newcastle tried really hard to sign Moussa Diaby in the summer of 2022, and have been linked with a fresh move. He would have been an exciting signing then, and he still would be now. The 23-year-old has been described as ‘incredibly dangerous‘, while his numbers for Bayer Leverkusen have been exceptional. If he can bring that form to St James’ Park then he could quickly become a Toon hero.
Alexander Isak
It is a toss up between Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson, but we are going with the super Swede. While Wilson has scored more goals this season, Isak is the player with more potential. He could really explode next season, especially with a full pre-season behind him.
James Maddison
Newcastle are expected to make a bid for James Maddison this summer, who is reportedly valued at £50million by Leicester City. He is one of Eddie Howe’s top targets, and his flexibility means he is a must-sign. He can play in a variety of different positions, and has the guile and creativity that we need. He also has the right personality to thrive in this Newcastle United team.
Potential Newcastle XI next season (4-3-3): Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Tierney; Bruno, Thuram, Joelinton; Diaby, Isak, Maddison.