The transfer window is open and players have begun to make moves so the picture is starting to become clearer in terms of who Newcastle United could realistically sign.
Having signed Sandro Tonali and missed out on James Maddison, we’re starting to get a better idea of how Newcastle could line-up on the opening game of the season when they take on Aston Villa at St James’ Park on 12th August.
I’ve tried to keep it as realistic as possible in terms of new signings and there are players we’re linked with who I’d love to see at Newcastle who don’t make this prediction as I’m not convinced we’ll sign them, unfortunately.
Goalkeeper
Nick Pope – Regardless of what happens with the back-up ‘keepers it’s unlikely the Number 1 will be replaced.
Defence
RB – Kieran Trippier – Captain fantastic is practically undroppable.
RCB – Fabian Schar – If Eddie Howe brings in a new centre-back they’re unlikely to be thrown in at the deep end so Schar keeps his spot for now and continues his amazing partnership with …
LCB – Sven Botman – The future of the defence, the Rolls Royce. He’s going nowhere.
LB – Dan Burn – BDB could well still be the first-choice left-back at the start of the campaign as the left-back pursuit seems to have been put on the back-burner for now.
Midfield
CDM – Sandro Tonali – Coming in from AC Milan for big money early in the window, Tonali will be ready to go on day one.
CM – Bruno Guimaraes – Not sure much needs to be said here. If he’s fit, he plays. Simple as that.
CM – Joelinton – It’s 50/50 whether Howe goes with Joelinton or Joe Willock. I’ve gone with J7 for that Brazilian partnership.
Forward
LF – Anthony Gordon – He’s looking great in the U21 Euro Championships and with a pre-season under his belt I expect him to be a key figure next season.
RF – Mohammed Kudus – Seen as a cheaper alternative to Dominik Szoboszlai and James Maddison, Kudus is no less capable than either and would be a superb signing.
CF – Alexander Isak – I’m backing Isak to to be in the running for the Golden Boot this season behind the genetically modified monster that is Erling Haaland.
Bench
Martin Dubravka – He’ll probably still be around to take his place on the bench.
Jean-Clair Todibo – I’m not confident this is a signing we’ll make, hence the bench, but he would be amazing.
Tino Livramento – Despite his promise of big things in the game, he’s not going to usurp Kieran Trippier right away, and even though he can cover left-back, I think Howe will stick with his trusted back four early in the season.
Joe Willock – He’s going to be massive for us next season but may also have to wait his turn.
Miguel Almiron – After such a fantastic season it seems harsh to relegate Miggy to the bench, but we can do better.
Gabri Viega – Another potential signing that seems unlikely right now so I’ve put him on the bench, but what a signing he’d be!
Elliot Anderson – Like Joe Willock, he’s going to play a big role for Newcastle next term but will have to be patient.
Allan Saint-Maximin – Bet you thought he wasn’t going to make the cut. Personally I’d sell him to raise funds, but I think he’ll still be here next season.
Callum Wilson – It’s a coin toss between him and Isak lately, but I’m banking on big things from the lanky Swede so Wilson will be the back-up option.
All just one man’s opinion
This is of course all guess work right now, but I feel that if we get in these signings I’ve predicted here – or even equivalents, Newcastle will be in an excellent position to compete on all fronts next season, especially as there’s still more talent on the books beyond the players mentioned.
As we’ve seen already this summer, Newcastle have the ability to spring a surprise or two, so we could end up with new signings we’ve not even been linked with yet. It’s all part of the fun.
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