Newcastle United’s summer transfer window is now open for business; however, what areas should they prioritize in anticipation of their Champions League return?
Newcastle United may be confronted with the most significant transfer window in their recent history, as the Magpies endeavor to capitalize on the impetus established by an undeniably successful season.
Who could forget the moment in which Eddie Howe’s team ended a 70-year drought for significant domestic silverware by defeating Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final? Or the moment the full-time whistle was blown to conclude a season that was genuinely significant in commemorating United’s return to the Champions League?
These accomplishments will persuade certain key members of the current Magpies squad that they can achieve their long-term goals at St James Park. However, they also indicate that there are certain issues that must be addressed to prevent the undeniable progress from being squandered.
Momentum is a critical factor in the sport of football, which is why the St James Park hierarchy must address five issues prior to the conclusion of the summer transfer window in September.
Newcastle United must address five issues during the summer transfer window.
Alexander Isak’s competition and coverage
It is highly probable that Newcastle’s most costly acquisition of the summer will be in the final third, as they endeavor to offer competition and support for Alexander Isak. The Sweden international had yet another exceptional season, as he played a pivotal role in Newcastle’s victory in the Carabao Cup final and their subsequent return to the Champions League. Nevertheless, it is imperative to provide the former Real Sociedad striker with competition and protection, particularly in light of the uncertainty surrounding Callum Wilson’s future at Newcastle. Joao Pedro, the Brighton star, is the primary target for this position, and Newcastle’s two challenges may be resolved if the Brazilian is successfully recruited.
The role of Lewis Miley
Miley is regarded as one of the most promising talents to emerge from the Magpies academy in recent seasons and is highly regarded within the United organization. Nevertheless, the England Under-21 international is currently engaged in a significant struggle to dislodge Sandro Tonali, Joelinton, and Bruno Guimaraes from the Magpies midfield. Although there have been suggestions of a potential loan or irreversible exit from St James Park, it is highly improbable that either scenario will occur. The future of Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff on Tyneside could well be associated with Miley’s prospects, as both of his fellow midfielders have been linked with transfers away from the club this summer.
A long-term replacement for Fabian Schar
Newcastle will enter the new season with a squad that includes four center-backs. Sven Botman will endeavor to disrupt the Fabian Schar-Dan Burn partnership that established the groundwork for a remarkable season last season by maintaining his full fitness throughout the upcoming season. Jamaal Lascelles is also expected to regain his fitness this summer and may be able to re-enter the competition when Howe’s team resumes preseason training. Nevertheless, the club is in need of a fresher option, as three of the four players are now over the age of 30. A year after a futile and agonizingly protracted endeavor to persuade Crystal Palace to sell the England defender, Marc Guehi appears to be the primary target.
A fresh winger
To begin, it is crucial to emphasize that Jacob Murphy’s exceptional performance and his contributions in the final third during the previous season have more than justified his inclusion in the United squad for the upcoming season. Nevertheless, Newcastle has not made a significant acquisition at the right wing position since the PIF-led takeover of St James Park in 2021. Yanuba Minteh may have been prepared to assume Murphy’s role in an alternate reality, where the Premier League’s PSR regulations do not exist. Nevertheless, Newcastle is currently seeking a right-sided forward this summer, as the previous vessel has departed. It is evident that Tyneside will be a priority before the window closes in September, as Bryan Mbeumo and Antoine Semenyo have been linked with potential transfers.
The primary issue
Is it a concern that Newcastle may have three goalkeepers who believe they should be the first choice by the start of the new season? Indeed, it is. Nick Pope is currently Howe’s most effective goalkeeper, and Martin Dubravka is an exceedingly competent deputy. Odyesseas Vlachodimos, John Ruddy, and Mark Gillespie are also still present at St. James Park. If the Magpies are effective in their pursuit of Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford, they may be joined by another goalkeeper in the near future. In the event that the England Under-21 star arrives, it is probable that Dubravka and Vlachodimos will be permitted to depart this summer. This could result in veteran goalkeeper Ruddy being granted an additional year of service with the club.
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