There is something to be said for the immense work that has been done on Tyneside under new ownership as Newcastle United are preparing to embark on their first Champions League campaign in twenty years.
Under former Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe, and with some incredibly intelligent recruitment (and a wage budget that is vastly inferior to the likes of Chelsea), Newcastle has been an example of tiered growth and progression rather than forcefully playing a financial card that may or may not beat the house.
WE ARE NEWCASTLE UNITED.
WE ARE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE! 🙌🙌 pic.twitter.com/NaMKa6CJGJ
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) May 22, 2023
With signings of the likes of Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier, Sven Botman, Brunio Guimarães, and Alexander Isak, Newcastle have already established its recruitment credentials since the majority takeover by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. Those successes will have to come once again in the upcoming summer transfer window as the club looks to put itself on the path of being able to handle the rigors of the English footballing calendar while remaining competitive in Europe’s top club competition.
Amid links with some high-level talent, 101 Great Goals looks at how Newcastle United could line up in the 2023-24 season.
GK: Nick Pope – One of the best keepers in England at the time of writing, Nick Pope has solidified his place in the Newcastle XI for the foreseeable future, irrespective of whether or not he is included in the Three Lions set up. Pope was a key factor in helping the Magpies post the second-best defensive numbers in the English top flight this season and should remain at his post for some time yet.
RB: Kieran Trippier – While England international right-back Kieran Tripper may be on the wrong side of thirty, he has been one of the club’s best signings in recent seasons. Vital in every phase of play for the Tyneside outfit, Trippier’s return to England has been sublime in every sense of the word. At current, he is borderline unable to be upgraded on while being untouchable in the team.
LCB: Sven Botman – The valuable Dutch international center-back has been a massive coup for Newcastle since his arrival from LOSC Lille in the summer, immediately endearing himself to the Geordie faithful while playing a vital role in their stoutness in defense. A long-term signing that has already paid dividends, Botman is part of both the club’s present and future without question.
LB: Kieran Tierney – Interest in Scottish international left-back Kieran Tierney has been concrete ever since it became abundantly clear that the former Celtic man was very much second-choice behind Oleksandr Zinchenko at Arsenal. A wealth of European experience and defensive know-how would come with the 25-year-old, and if he could stay fit, would add stiff competition or, more likely, an upgrade on Dan Burn.
DM: Bruno Guimarães – A lion in the heart of the Newcastle midfield, much is owed to Brazilian international Bruno Guimarães for how he has helped the Magpies move the needle in terms of their overall ability on the pitch. Reclaiming Champions League football for the first time in two decades, while many view the former Olympique Lyonnais star as one of the best in the business in his position.
RCM: Joe Willock – Since his departure from boyhood club Arsenal, Joe Willock has gone from strength to strength on Tyneside while becoming a key member of the senior squad under Eddie Howe. Coming off a fantastic 2022-23, though he may not be a name that comes with a certain degree of flash, Willock should remain as key as ever if not even more so.
LCM: Enzo Le Fée – Links with central midfielders persist for Newcastle going into the summer transfer window, with the need for vital quality in depth while moving the needle for the club. Names the likes of Youri Tielemans and Adrien Rabiot have been mentioned, but a sneaky move for Lorient star Enzo Le Fée could give the club everything it needs. The 23-year-old has bagged 5 goals and 5 assists from midfield and excels at controlling possession and distribution. For a very affordable fee, he’d potentially be a signing of the season.
RW: Miguel Almirón – Few would have expected that Paraguayan star Miguel Almirón would have developed into the player that he has after arriving from MLS side Atlanta United in 2019. But after nearly 150 Premier League appearances, it is abundantly clear that when Almirón is on, Newcastle are the best version of themselves. His 11 goals this season is one off his club career high, and much of the same will be expected next season.
LW: James Maddison – Long-standing interest in England attacking midfielder James Maddison could very well come to a head this summer if Leicester City fails to avoid the drop-down to the Championship, with Newcastle reportedly set to make an early bid to secure his services ahead of bigger Premier League fish. An excellent attacking outlet that provides both goals and assists, he would be a big boon for the Magpies as they tackle Europe.
CF: Alexander Isak – Though Callum Wilson has done exceptionally well for Newcastle this season, in the long term, Swedish international striker Alexander Isak will lead the line for the Magpies on Tyneside, and rightfully so. Now fully adapted to life in England, only fitness concerns can stop him from his continued growth on the pitch. A real breakout season in 2023-24 could be on the cards for the former AIK and Borussia Dortmund man.
