The £130m 'new signings' that can transform Newcastle United into top four contenders

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com 
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Visit Shots! now
Three ‘new’ faces will hope to make an major impact at Newcastle United when the new season gets underway.

It used to a be phrase that would either provoke sarcastic sniggers or send a shiver down the spines of Newcastle United supporters.

Back in the days when Alan Pardew was patrolling the touchline at St. James’ Park and Mike Ashley was imposing limited ambition and an austerity plan that would even make a Tory blush, the Magpies used to treat transfer windows as something akin to a Boxing Day sale at one of their owners’ sportswear stores. There were success stories in the transfer market as the likes of Yohan Cabaye and Demba Ba became success stories on Tyneside - but they time in black and white was always limited as an even modest offer would turn the St. James’ Park hierarchy into all-too willing sellers.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

There were times when Pardew’s options would be limited as a consequence of players departing and injured members of his squad would be rushed back into contention. Their return would often see them referred to as ‘like a new signing’ by the then-Magpies boss and such a phrase would be used against Pardew, who was seen as a willing frontman for Ashley’s ‘plans’ in the transfer market.

Yet now, almost ten years on, current United manager Eddie Howe could rightfully use that same phrase and will probably receive sympathy from Magpies supporters as he awaits the return of three players that can actually transform his side. There is no doubt Newcastle slipped below the lofty standards they set during the 2022/23 season when their mix of power, pace and intensity saw them overpower and defeat the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool and Chelsea to claim a place in the Champions League for the first time in two decades.

There were mitigating circumstances for Howe as his side failed to secure a European place last season, as a seemingly never-ending battle with a lengthy injury list hampered attempts to find momentum in a season that promised so much but delivered only frustration and a sense of what could have been.

One key factor of their successful season of 12 months earlier was the versatility, fluidity and intensity provided by Joelinton and Joe Willock as the duo tormented opposition defences by dovetailing down the left-hand side of United’s midfield and forward line with devastating effect. Although it’s far from the only example of their impact, a 6-1 demolition of Tottenham Hotspur showed the duo at their very best as they tore a managerless Spurs side apart with incisive movement and slick passing.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

More than anything, they gave Howe genuine balance in midfield and enabled Bruno Guimaraes to impose himself on opponents and dictate the pace and tempo of the game in his own unique fashion.

Willock and Joelinton also provided a genuine goal threat and during their surprisingly successful push to gatecrash the top four racked up 11 goals and nine assists between them. Of course, such figures may look somewhat modest given the 12 goals and 11 assists achieved by Anthony Gordon during a stunning first full season with Newcastle - but they do show Newcastle were missing something very unique as Howe was robbed of the services of his dynamic midfield duo by a series of injuries throughout the season.

There will be joined in returning to the Magpies ranks by Sandro Tonali as the former Magpies midfielder approaches the end of the lengthy ban he received for breaching gambling regulations in Italy.

There have been reports suggesting the former AC Milan midfielder has suffered a minor injury that will keep him out of part of United’s return to pre-season training - but, as it stands, there seems little doubt he will be ready to make a return to Premier League action by the time Spurs are scheduled to visit Tyneside on the final weekend of August.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It would be a stretch to suggest Tonali blew Magpies supporters away during the all-too brief period in which they got to witness him in action - but it would equally churlish to ignore some of the promising moments he provided as he settled into life in England.

A debut goal and an all-action display in an opening day hammering of an Aston Villa side that would go on to qualify for the Champions League whet the appetite of the St. James’ Park faithful and there were flashes of the talent that persuaded Newcastle to hand over around £55m to make the Italian their statement signing of last summer.

Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali was handed a suspended two-month banNewcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali was handed a suspended two-month ban
Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali was handed a suspended two-month ban

The trio’s return will certainly strengthen Howe’s options in the middle of the park and it would be no surprise to see Joelinton used in a wide position where he has thrived under the former Bournemouth manager. It will also allow the Magpies boss to lighten the workload on the influential Guimaraes and take a softer approach to the development of the highly promising Lewis Miley, who enjoyed a fine introduction to life in the Premier League before the academy product saw his season brought to a premature end by a back injury.

Seeing Tonali, Joelinton and Willock back in contention could also aid United’s battle against profit and sustainability regulations as they face a major decision on the future of fellow midfielder Sean Longstaff, who has now entered the final year of his current deal with his boyhood club.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

With all eyes on the Magpies summer recruitment plans, it would be safe to assume midfield is probably the area at the bottom of their list of priorities. As widely reported across the media, a centre-back, right winger and a versatile forward are all high on the agenda and the return of three ‘new signings’ means midfield is the least of Howe’s worries with the new season now coming into sight.

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.

Follow us
©National World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice