How Newcastle United could look in 12 months time…

By Joe Murphy

Now, for this article, there is an immediate disclaimer. This is entirely dependent on Newcastle staying up at the end of this season. If they dive down into the championship it’s a completely different story and let’s not kid ourselves, that is entirely feasible. They are struggling hugely right now, sitting 19th in the league with just one win all season. Despite some spirited performances recently, their campaign so far was summed up by the humiliating home defeat to League 1 Cambridge, in the FA Cup. But let’s just say, hypothetically, Eddie Howe’s team manages to avoid relegation – how would the team look at the start of next season? We all know about Newcastle’s financial backing and with a summer transfers window behind them, there could be some huge arrivals at St.James Park. Let’s have an educated guess at who they could bring in……

Goalkeeper – Dean Henderson

Nothing against Darlow or Dubravka, but the Magpies need a goalkeeper upgrade that matches their ambitious targets. They wouldn’t need to look abroad either, with young English goalkeeper Dean Henderson reportedly unhappy with his game time at Manchester United this season. To secure his spot on the plane for the Qatar World Cup next winter, we expect Henderson would be open for a move in which he could become Eddie Howes first choice. Having fallen behind Ramsdale in the pecking order, Henderson has a point to prove in reminding people he is an extremely talented goalkeeper. An offer of around £30 million should secure his services, and would surely prove a good investment.

RB – Kieran Trippier

The England International has just signed for the Toon and is their first major signal of intention. Once dubbed the “Bury Beckham”, the experienced full-back has played a huge role in England success over the past four years and has recently won the Spanish title with la lugs giants Athletic Madrid. This could be a shrewd piece of business for a man who will surely still be a big part of Newcastle’s growth over the next few years. At 31, however, a younger replacement going forward may be needed going forward.

CB’s – Diego Carlos and Wesley Forfana

In central defence, one prediction is evidence based while the other is from the rumour mill. Firstly, Diego Carlos of Sevilla has been heavily linked with a move to Newcastle. He would be a superb addition to the ranks of the Magpies defence which, let’s be honest, heavily needs upgrading. They do have some talent already, but he will need a partner capable of the high standards.

They should look no further than Leicester’s Wesley Forfana, for the answer. The hugely talented young defender could continue to take the Premier League by storm when he returns back from injury.

LB – Javier Manquillo

Whilst you’d imagine there will be wholesale changes across the defence over the next 12-18 months, Rome wasn’t built in a day. You can expect at few players from from the current squad to retain their places next season and for us, the Spaniard is one of those.

CM’s – Todd Cantwell, Jonko Shelvey, Giorginio Winaljdum

No, not Jesse Lingard, he’s destined for London. Nor will it be a Manchester United raid in these more attacking positions. Anthony Martial will move abroad and I fully expect Donny Van de Beek to remain in Manchester. Instead, the first answer lies a little closer to Newcastle in the table currently.

With Norwich’s relegation almost inevitable, Todd Cantwell will be looking to remain in the Premier League. Cantwell is a solid young player with great potential, and at around 20/30million, would be a valuable investment. Sitting behind Cantwell, we’d expect Jonjo Shelvey should remain the holding midfielder. Whilst there are undoubtedly better midfielder’s in the league, the former Liverpool man is a steady option to control the middle of the park. You would expect Eddie Howe would want to bring one ‘world-class’ midfielder and why not make a move to for Gini Winaljdum. The dutch captain has fallen out of favour in the French capital and would likely welcome a return to St. James Park. He is a proven talent in this league, and the new owners could certianly offer him most, if not all, of his inflated wage. The player, would surely relish the move back to England.

RW – Allan Saint Maximim
He has been their standout player over the last two seasons, and will surely be integral to future plans for the club. A hugely talented attacker, who Eddie Howe will see as essential to the club.

ST – Callum Wilson
The same can be said for Callum Wilson. He is a goalscorer and will be missed immensely over the next couple of months as he nurses an injury. The signing of Chris Wood will definitely boost this front line but it’s hard to believe he will displace the former Bournemouth man. However, there is room for one Marquee signing and that comes in the form of a certain left winger.

LW – Gareth Bale

Tell me one reason why this can’t happen? Not many top clubs will have him. His age and injury record may put off certain potential destinations. But he is a free agent at the end of the season, and surely Newcastle need that superstar, that big name, that former Champions League winner. Bale shirts would fly off the shelves and, as shown in glimpses during his Loan spell at Spurs last season, he has still got it. The Welsh man may not have too many better options, when the summer comes around.

So, this could turn out to be one of those pieces where none of what I have just said, materialises. As previously stated, if Newcastle were to be relegated, then some of these signings would be near-impossible to achieve. If they stay up, however, investment into players of this calibre will be a must. Players with Premier League experience and a certain star quality will be necessary, should the Magpies want to challenge for European football rather than fight relegation. The team proposed above gives Newcastle a chance at acheiving at least a top half finish next year. A solid spine all the way through your team is key in England’s top flight, and I believe these signings would give the Magpies just that. A team like this is a mouth-watering prospect for Toon fans, and one that could soon become a reality.