Eddie Howe has made some fantastic signings for Newcastle United so far. Here’s how we rank them.
Let’s be honest, some of the transfers made by Newcastle managers in recent times have been nothing short of miserable. From Kenedy to Islam Slimani, there have seriously been some shockers.
However, Eddie Howe has broken the bank in recent years, acquiring some top talent at St James’ Park. Although, some first-team squad members have definitely worked out more than others.
So, here are all of Howe’s Newcastle United signings, ranked.
20 – John Ruddy
Joining on a free from Birmingham City in July 2024, John Ruddy was signed to provide cover in the goalkeeping department.
Experienced at both Premier League and Championship level, the former Norwich City man will likely replace Loris Karius as Newcastle’s third-choice goalkeeper.
19 – William Osula
Arriving from Championship side Sheffield United, William Osula joined the Tyneside outfit for a reported £15m.
Osula is clearly a talented player but can’t rank any higher on this list until he features for the Magpies.
18 – Odysseas Vlachodimos
Greek international Odysseas Vlachodimos was signed from fellow Premier League outfit Nottingham Forest in July 2024, for a minimal fee.
Having previously played in the Champions League for Portuguese side Benfica, the keeper arrives at St James’ Park with some real pedigree.
17 – Garang Kuol
Winger Garang Kuol was signed in the summer of 2023, from Australian side Central Coast Mariners.
He is yet to feature for Newcastle, spending the majority of his Toon career out on loan at Hearts and FC Volendam.
16 – Yankuba Minteh
Yankuba Minteh was sent to Feyenoord in the Eredivisie for the 23/24 season.
The Gambian was one of their star performers and returned to Newcastle in 2024 expecting to feature for the Magpies.
PSR had other ideas though, as Newcastle were forced to sell the talented youngster to Brighton for £35m, to avoid possible PSR punishments.
Nevertheless, with zero Newcastle apps, he can only sit 16th.
15 – Loris Karius
Someone who has had a really tough career not just at Newcastle, but in English football – it’s Loris Karius.
The German’s big moment came in Newcastle’s Carabao Cup Final against Manchester United, where he came in for his first game.
It was ultimately a failure, with him being specifically at fault for Marcus Rashford’s goal, which sent the Red Devils two to the good. He was ‘fine’ as a backup, but he should’ve been nowhere near the first-team squad.
14 – Harrison Ashby
Signed in January 2023, Harrison Ashby has not yet really had time to cement himself at St James’ Park.
He had been shining for the academy in the U21s, which has given hope he’ll be a great future prospect.
For this reason, he’s ranked as number 14, but this could easily change in the future.
13 – Chris Wood
Up at number nine, it’s the big man – Chris Wood.
The striker was bought as a necessity really, with Callum Wilson injured the Toon were desperate for a forward to come in as they looked to stay in the English top flight.
That’s why they triggered the release clause for Wood and paid somewhat over the odds at £25m. Saying this, Newcastle met their task and stayed up – with Burnley going the other way. Wood was a necessary purchase and didn’t really deserve a lot of the ridicule he faced at the club.
12 – Harvey Barnes
Harvey Barnes has been plagued by injuries so far at Newcastle, meaning he suffers a harsh rank.
Newcastle poached Barnes from newly relegated Leicester City for £39 million in July 2023.
He’s shown nowhere near what he’s capable of yet.
11 – Sandro Tonali
A controversial number 11, it’s Sandro Tonali.
Magpies broke the bank for Italian from AC Milan in the summer of 2023 for £55 million to bolster Eddie Howe’s squad ahead of their Champions League debut season.
He started off brilliantly, however – a ban from football has meant he is out for over a year. Saying this, when he comes back, he will be an absolute asset to the club.
10 – Lewis Hall
Lewis Hall is definitely a star for the future. He was initially acquired on loan from Chelsea but should be joining on a permanent at the end of the 23/24 season.
The left-back will likely be a long-term successor, and will only be getting better with age.
Expect him to be a familiar face on Tyneside for many, many years – and to ultimately shoot up this ranking.
9 – Matt Targett
An inspired signing at number nine, Matt Targett.
Targett was initially brought in on loan, but Howe decided to purchase the full-back for £15m the summer after following an impressive spell.
He has however since struggled with injuries, only making seven appearances during the 23/24 season.
8 – Tino Livramento
Tino Livramento was signed from Southampton for £32 million in August 2023 by the Magpies.
It now looks to be a bit of a bargain, the young English full-back has bags of potential, which is already beginning to show around the Newcastle United Training Centre.
He’s one only set to improve. Expect a higher ranking in years to come.
7 – Dan Burn
A Geordie through and through – it’s Dan Burn.
He’s been a revelation for Newcastle since his £13 million arrival from Brighton in January 2022. The towering defender was bought initially as a centre-back but has since locked down the left-back position.
He’s definitely been the most surprising Howe signing. It makes it all the much better that he supported the Toon a young lad.
6 – Nick Pope
This is where it gets really difficult. We’ve gone for Nick Pope at number six.
The English shot-stopper has proven he’s one of the best in the business. Ever reliable, he rarely makes a mistake and has been an ever-present force in between the sticks since his arrival in the summer of 2022.
It was arguably Newcastle’s most important signing, with goalkeeper always being a dubious position for the Toon. Now we have a competent shot-stopper, who we can rely on in all circumstances.
5 – Sven Botman
At a maybe harsh number five, it’s Sven Botman. We aren’t exaggerating when we say Botman could go on to be the best centre-half to ever play for Newcastle.
The Dutch defender is an absolute unit, but also possesses fantastic technical qualities, with immense passing and composure on the ball.
He’s still so young and could achieve so much with the club. He could easily rise in this list, but he sits in fifth for now.
4 – Anthony Gordon
A player that had a controversial price tag is up at four.
Anthony Gordon was purchased from Everton in the January transfer window of 2023, for a monumental £45m. For a player who scored just seven goals in 78 appearances for the Toffees – it was a huge risk.
However, he’s been nothing short of sensational, particularly in the 23/24 season, where he’s been the shining light in the Magpies side. Give it a few seasons – he’ll be clinching the top spot.
3 – Alexander Isak
Securing the bronze medal position, a man that has transformed into one of Europe’s deadliest strikers, it’s Alexander Isak.
The club’s record signing is lightning-quick, has fantastic intricate dribbling and most importantly for a striker – knows where the goal is.
The only thing that lowers Isak on this list is his numerous injury issues. If he ironed them out, we have no doubt he’d be securing a top-two spot.
- READ MORE: Who is Alexander Isak? Step inside the life of Newcastle United’s scintillating super Swede
2 – Bruno Guimaraes
Just missing out on top-spot, it’s the brilliant Brazilian Bruno Guimaraes.
A lot was expected from the midfielder when he arrived from Lyon, with so much hype surrounding his name. He has lived up to the expectation – if not surely exceeded it.
He can do more or less anything. Dribble, score, defend – you name it, Guimaraes has got it. That’s why he’s regarded as one of the Premier League’s best midfielders. But despite all this, he just doesn’t make the number one spot.
1 – Kieran Trippier
It had to be. At number one is one of the biggest Premier League bargains in recent times – it’s Kieran Trippier.
His signing speaks for itself. £12m measly pounds for a player with immense ability, leadership qualities and, ultimately, one of the best right-backs in world football.
He is without a doubt Eddie Howe’s best Newcastle United signing.
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