Newcastle United will likely look to make a statement signing this summer, as they prepare for their return to the Champions League.
We have seen some exciting additions during every transfer window of the new ownership. The first saw Kieran Trippier and Bruno Guimaraes arrive, then they were followed by the club record deal for Alexander Isak the following summer.
January 2023 was a bit quieter, but the Magpies still had time to break the bank and go big for Anthony Gordon, who will hopefully be a star of the future.
Now Eddie Howe is planning for next season, where Champions League qualification will have a major boost on the club’s finances. It will massively help us in this summer’s transfer window, in terms of spending power and the type of player we can attract.
Newcastle need top class players to handle the step up to Champions League football, while the increased revenue gives the club the chance to do something special in the transfer market.
There has already been talk of marquee arrivals, with Neymar the biggest name linked with a move to St James’ Park.
However, he is likely someone who would cause problems and upset the harmony on Tyneside. Instead, TalkSPORT pundit Darren Bent has found the perfect alternative.
Bent thinks Rice should be Newcastle’s statement signing
The former England striker has spoke to TalkSPORT about Newcastle making a statement signing this summer, and believes it should be Declan Rice.
“When you think about Newcastle and the rebuild you want a statement signing and someone that’s going to take them to the next level,” he said.
“But could Eddie Howe deal with a level of expectations and attitude when it comes to that next level?
“Well, Declan is the complete opposite of that. Top class player. The right attitude. He’s not going to give you any problems, if ever Newcastle wanted to make a statement signing, then there is one.”
Rice would be an incredible signing
As Bent says, Rice would be the perfect statement signing. He has the exact type of personality to thrive at St James’ Park, while he has the talent to be considered a marquee addition.
The Magpies have been linked with signing the 24-year-old West Ham captain. However, it has been claimed that he will want too much money.
But if the Toon owners do decide that they want a statement signing this summer then they probably do not need to look much further than Rice. He is the exact type of player we are looking for in midfield, while he has the quality to enhance a squad that has just finished fourth in the Premier League.
Statement signings can often be a mistake given the attitudes of certain players, but that certainly would not be an issue with Rice.
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