Newcastle United sign £50m defender, ex-Man City prodigy and Brentford hero in dream XI if rumours are true

Newcastle United got their first taste of domestic glory in an eternity as they lifted the Carabao Cup by securing a shock 2-1 victory over runaway Premier League leaders Liverpool at Wembley Stadium.

Local hero Dan Burn wrote his name into club folklore with a bullet header in the first half before the imperious Alexander Isak decided the contest with a clinical finish after a well cushioned header across goal from Jacob Murphy. It marked the club’s first honour in 56 years since the Inter Cities Fairs Cup triumph in 1969 - and their first first domestic honour since the 1955 FA Cup triumph over Manchester City.

It was also a significant landmark for the club’s PIF led ownership, who after enjoying their first taste of silverware will be hungry for plenty more in the years to come as Eddie Howe and the Magpies aim to kick on and establish themselves as one of the strongest teams in world football. With that in mind, we take a look at the star-studded XI that Newcastle United could field next season if they sign some of the most prominent targets that they have been linked with this summer.

Newcastle United land £50m Spanish defender

Goalkeeper: James Trafford - signing

Newcastle United have reportedly already agreed personal terms with long-term target James Trafford and are pushing hard to land the former England Under-21 international, who was once on the books at Manchester City.

Trafford boasts the best defensive record in the Championship and has been pivotal to Burnley’s amazing record at the back with 26 clean sheets in 37 matches. The Magpies currently have Nick Pope and Martin Dubravka on the books but see Trafford as the future at just 22-years-of-age, according to Newcastle World.

Right-back: Tino Livramento

Tino Livramento deputised at left-back in the Carabao Cup final and backed up his England call up with a superb defensive display to nullify one of Europe’s most potent attackers in Mohamed Salah. The 22-year-old is vying to be England’s first choice for the next decade and has a massive future at St James’ Park.

Centre-back: Dean Huijsen - signing

Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen has enjoyed a stellar first season at the Vitality Stadium and is one of the few to successfully contain Alexander Isak over the course of 90 minutes. The 19-year-old defender, who recently earned his first call up for Spain, is believed to have a release clause of £50m and is understood by I News to be a top target for the North East club.

Centre back: Dan Burn

Newcastle United defender Dan Burn also earned his first England call up and has been a standout performer for the St James’ Park club this season. He is likely to face strong competition from both Fabian Schar (if a new deal is signed) and Sven Botman once he gets up to full fitness after two frustrating injury-hit seasons.

Left-back: Lewis Hall

Lewis Hall has enjoyed a phenomenal season in Black and White, and is among the Magpies best performing stars this season. Blessed with immense speed, defensive quality and an eye for pass, Hall is another that will hope to star for England for the next decade.

Central midfield: Bruno Guimaraes

Bruno Guimaraes promised fans he would etch his name into the club’s history when he signed in January 2022 and backed up that claim by winning the Carabao Cup.

The Brazilian is the club captain and the heartbeat of the midfield with exuberance, passion and bags of energy. Statistically no player runs more than Guimaraes in the Premier League.

Central midfield: Joelinton

A failed striker, converted into a midfield powerhouse. Joelinton recently won his place back in the Brazil squad after a series of stellar performances and is expected to remain a pivotal part of the Newcastle team next season.

Central midfield: Sandro Tonali

The Italian took time to settle after missing most of his first season through a betting suspension, but has more than proven that he can live up to the £55m the club spent on him.Another with excellent energy, vision and tremendous composure in possession, he will be crucial in whatever European competition the team ends up participating in next season.

A statement £50m forward signing

Right winger: Bryan Mbeumo - signing

Newcastle have just one right winger in their entire team at in Jacob Murphy at present but are expected to move for a right attacker for the first time since the takeover this summer.

Bryan Mbeumo, who has scored 15 and assisted five for Brentford, is reportedly valued at around £50m and is a target for the Magpies, as per Football Insider.

Striker: Alexander Isak

Newcastle simply have to do everything they can to keep Alexander Isak at St James’ Park if they are to establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with. The Swedish international has fired in a staggering 23 goals including the winner in the cup final. He is well on his way to becoming a club legend.

Left winger: Anthony Gordon

England international Anthony Gordon missed the cup final due to suspension but remains a pivotal part of the club’s plans for success moving forward. He’s not quite hit the heights of last season in terms of performance but still has an overall tally of eight goals and six assists across all competitions.

Further squad depth

Newcastle are more than aware of the added strain that Europe can bring after their unprecedented injury crisis of the 2023/24 campaign. With that in mind, Newcastle could make moves for out-of-contract Lille midfielder Angel Gomes after his England call-up this season and in-form Ipswich forward Liam Delap to provide further competition to Alexander Isak.

Here is what the full Newcastle team could look like next season

Starting XI: Trafford; Livramento, Hujsen, Burn, Hall; Guimaraes, Joelinton, Tonali; Mbeumo, Isak, Gordon. Substitutes: Pope, Trippier, Botman, Schar, Miley, Gomes, Willock, Delap, Barnes, Murphy.

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