As one of the most
long-suffering fans in the Premier League, Newcastle United fans need
to get used to another year of deals and relative austerity. The
transfer of ownership to Saudi Arabian backers looks dead in the
water, and it could mean that the Toon need to look to a more
realistic market for signings. Gone are the likes of Edinson Cavani
and in their place come players like Rob Holding, Ryan Fraser, and
Tom Davies.
The majority of
signings are being linked are domestic talents who either play in the
second tier or are out of the picture with other Premier League
sides. The decision of youth prospect Matt Longstaff to sign a new
deal, though, might limit the need for a central midfielder.
Forward is the most
obvious starting place, with Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson
heavily linked. Other names include Ryan Fraser, who is on a free,
and Jamal Lewis of Norwich City. Every name being linked with the
Toon – across various positions – are value signings that could
offer them a player with resale value in the years to come.
However, for Newcastle,
tying down a key position to fill is proving tough. Defence looks
quite thin, and central midfield has good quality but low numbers.
Pace is a major issue in the Newcastle team, too, with their wide
players and full-backs lacking either attacking flair or pace. Only
really Allan Saint-Maximin could realistically say he’s done the
job to the expected standard.
This leaves the Magpies
shopping around for a fair amount of talent in a short amount of
time. So far, the club has also been linked with trying to find a
suitor for Premier League flop Joelinton, hoping to use any funds
gained to buy a more suitable forward option.
Expect loans for lower
priority areas like central defence and midfield, with most finances
going on a forward and adding to the wide areas.