Passed into a new era with the appearance of the PIF (Saudi Public Investment Fund) at the head of the club, Newcastle is resuming ambitions. Mythical in England, the club won four championships (1905, 1907, 1909 and 1927), but also had a boom in the mid-1990s and early 2000s. Playing at the bottom of the table and even going through the Championship in 2009/2010 and 2016/2017, the Magpies want to overcome a very complicated decade. For this, this new financial power must be used by Eddie Howe to save the club before making even larger investments thereafter. Currently 19th in the Premier League with two points behind Watford (17th with one game less), Newcastle are not let go by their rivals, but the situation remains complicated. Having to strengthen in many positions, the Toons have targeted many names. If the only current arrivals are Matty Longstaff (21, Aberdeen FC) and Jake Turner (22, Colchester United) who are back from loan, a first important element should land.
A name well known internationally and especially across the Channel since it is Kieran Trippier. The 31-year-old England right-back is still in the prime of his life and is still performing well. Despite some small physical glitches, the one who has been at Atlético de Madrid since 2019 would really do good in a position where Emil Krafth and Javi Manquillo are not up to the task. Moreover, in recent weeks, winger Jacob Murphy has sometimes helped out as the arrival of a right-back has become important. This transfer is on track and should close for just under 30 million euros. A nice check for the reigning Spanish Champions and a major reinforcement for Newcastle in their project. Moreover, Kieran Trippier has the particularity of having evolved with Eddie Howe at Burnley between 2011 and 2012 when the latter directed the Clarets. With this first blow which should be concluded in the coming hours, Newcastle will set the tone. However, we should not stop there because other positions require reinforcements.
Sven Botman and Pierre Emerick Aubameyang hold the rope but …
When we see the Magpies shortlist, we quickly identify the main gaps in this team. Thus, a central defender, a midfielder and a center forward will be the three other priority positions to be filled. This does not, however, close the door to one or two additional reinforcements. Thus in the axis, the names of Stefan De Vrij (Inter Milan), Jason Denayer (Olympique Lyonnais), Abdou Diallo (Paris Saint-Germain), James Tarkowski (Burnley), Ben Mee (Burnley) et Joe Rodon (Tottenham) have been cited. Nevertheless, lately it is the one de Sven Botman (21 years) that comes back. The Dutch defender of LOSC seems to be the priority and the Mastiffs have even turned down an offer of around 30 million pounds (around 36 million euros) as pointed out The Guardian. To see if the Magpies will insist or go on another of their tracks. In the midfield, there too the names are legion. With Marcelo Brozovic (Inter Milan),, Seko Fofana (Lens), Jesse Lingard (Manchester United), Ross Barkley (Chelsea), Harry Winks (Tottenham), Florian Grillitsch (Hoffenheim), Boubacar Kamara (Olympique de Marseille), Isco, Aguibou Camara (Olympiakos) or Jordan Veretout (AS Roma), there are many tracks in the midfield.
Juventus Welshman Aaron Ramsey is also in the sights of the Magpies. In this position, it is still unclear and it would clearly require a qualitative contribution in an midfield where Joe Willock, Isaac Hayden, Jonjo Shelvey and Joelinton provide services without carrying the team. Finally, the quest for an attacker is necessary especially as the club’s top scorer Callum Wilson (6 of the club’s 19 Premier League goals) is injured. Victim of a tear in the calf muscle, it must be replaced as soon as possible. Besides the Tyrese Campbell trail (Stoke City, 21) which seems like a long term solution, Darwin Nuñez (Benfica), Anthony Martial (Manchester United), Edin Dzeko (Inter Milan), Odion Ighalo (Al Shabab), Gabigol (Flemish) or Moussa Marega (Al Hilal) have been mentioned. However, the Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang track (Arsenal) is gaining thickness in the last few days. The 32-year-old Gabonese striker who lost his place at Arsenal could come in the form of a paid loan with an option to buy 20million pounds (around 24million euros). The leads are multiplying for Newcastle and for the moment only the arrival of Kieran Trippier seems to be on the right track. While the transfer window officially started on Saturday, the Magpies will have to raise their voice to hope to strengthen as a result.