Three potential summer signings for Newcastle United

With the 23/24 season nearing a close, it brings another opportunity for Newcastle United and Eddie Howe to strengthen their squad in the summer window.

We saw how the increased fixtures due to the Champions League and frequent injuries hampered Howe’s side on numerous occasions – thus recruitment this summer upon another potential season in Europe is vital for The Magpies.

In this article, I will be highlighting areas of improvement in Newcastle’s squad and providing some options on who I believe would be an upgrade on the current squad.

Target one – Right-Winger

In my opinion, the right-wing position for Newcastle is a priority signing this summer. Current options for this role in the existing squad include Miguel Almiron and Jacob Murphy.

One factor for this being a priority is the quality of those two options, both players have a tireless work rate (particularly Almiron) however both players end product have lacked for many seasons whilst they’ve been at the club.

Also, with Almiron (30) and Murphy (29) becoming older this may be the last chance to get back a decent fee for one of the two.

The cost of this signing may also signal the clubs intentions with on-loan winger, Yankuba Minteh, at Feyenoord. A more expensive signing may indicate that Minteh will head out on loan again – however a more cost-efficient signing could show the club have faith in Minteh to stay and play a role in the senior squad.

I personally believe Bryan Mbeumo of Brentford to be the best option all things considered. He is 24 years old; Premier League experienced and fits tactically in Howe’s system – with the right-winger cutting inside and the right back (usually Trippier) holding the width.

Mbeumo has had an ankle injury that ruled him out for around three months, however his injury record is clean other than that, which would appeal to Newcastle.

Target two – Centre-back

Due to the long-term injuries of Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles – and Fabian Schar’s contract expiring – a centre back for the long-term will be of interest.

Newcastle’s currently fit centre back options are slim, with Dan Burn and Emil Krafth playing at centre back to cover for the absentees. Also, due to FFP reasons Newcastle will have to be clever in their approach.

Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo and Bournemouth’s Lloyd Kelly are both Premier League proven defenders who are available for free upon their contract expirations in the summer.

Howe has previously worked with Kelly during his time at Bournemouth and would be useful in Newcastle’s tactical setup as he has the capability to play left centre-back and left-back, similarly to Dan Burn. He is also only 25 years-old, so he could be a signing that stays long term.

Adarabioyo has been linked to Tottenham, Chelsea and AC Milan – which highlights his quality. He is an athletic defender with great pace which is something that Newcastle’s centre-backs lack, whilst also being comfortable on the ball. The 26-year-old will provide solid competition and cover for Schar, whilst also having the quality to replace him should the Swiss international leave when his contract expires.

Target three – backup striker

Callum Wilson was heavily linked to leave the club in January, and reports suggest this is still the case in the summer. The 32-year-olds quality is not in doubt, as the second highest goal scorer in the Premier League for Newcastle, however his injury record and availability is still largely poor.

Also, he will struggle to get as many starts as long as Alexander Isak is fit and available – who has scored 20 Premier League goals this season and arguably been the club’s player of the season.

If Wilson does depart, a younger forward in the mould of Isak would be ideal -as Isak is not just a goal scorer. He is capable of linking the play and dropping deep to pick up the ball.

Someone who fits these criteria is Bournemouth’s Dominic Solanke, another one of Howe’s ex-players who has blossomed into a very well-rounded centre-forward who has added goals to his game this season.

The 26-year-old has scored 18 goals in 36 Premier League games for The Cherries and has a market value of £30M. Howe has admitted his admiration for the striker previously, in 2019 when he bought him, he said: “Dominic is technically gifted, very athletic and has the physical profile that will give us something different in our front line.”