Newcastle United had a fairly moderate end to last season – the club finished their campaign in 13th place, having accumulated 44 points in Steve Bruce’s first season, as well as making the FA quarter-final against Manchester City.
Overall it may be a season to forget for the Magpies, whose proposed takeover bid from the Saudi Arabian Private Investment Fund continues to play out – the fans will be hoping that a deal will be met soon so that the club can start their new life away from Mike Ashley and begin to build a team under new owners.
To do so now, however, will be a tasking effort, as the current financial climate in football, thanks to the effects of COVID-19 has caused many clubs to be forced to sell their best performers – meaning that if Newcastle finds themselves in a financially positive position with or without new owners, they could find themselves signing some great players for great prices if hopeful.
So, what would be the most realistic signings for the club to make?
Ryan Sessegnon
The youngster only managed six league appearances for Tottenham last season, and will likely be aiming for regular football this coming season, something which may not come if he were to stay at Spurs.
With a current market value of £22.5 million, the Toon could try to negotiate a possible loan deal or even a permanent transfer depending on Spurs’ view on the player. Sessegnon is a versatile player, and currently, Newcastle has Danny Rose occupying at Left-Back, meaning that if Sessegnon were to join Newcastle, he could find himself playing in a more attacking position such as Left Midfield, or even muscle his way into Left-Back over Rose, who is now 30.
A move to Newcastle could be a wise one for the 20-year-old, and he would be a welcome addition to Steve Bruce’s side who have been heavily linked with the player over the past few weeks.
Harry Wilson
The 23-year-old Welsh international has struggled to break into Liverpool’s first-team given the world-class talent that the club already possesses. Wilson has had previous loan spells, most recently last season at Bournemouth where he scored 7 goals for the club.
His previous loan spells at Derby and Hull were also very successful – with his time with the Rams being his best season during the 18/19 campaign.
The winger scored 16 goals with 4 assists during his season on loan at Derby and showed fans the talent and potential that he has. Newcastle would make a great fit for Wilson, and would likely get the game time he deserves at the club – but the Magpies will face competition if they were to secure his signature, with Premier League new boys Leeds also keen on signing the youngster on loan.
Callum Wilson
It is likely that key players for Bournemouth, such as Callum Wilson, will leave the club this summer after their relegation. Having played in the Premier League for some seasons now, Wilson has established himself as a quality Premier League goalscorer – and has attracted the attention of many clubs over the years.
Newcastle has been linked with a move for the player but will have some negotiating to do after it was reported Steve Bruce may have as little as £30 million to spend this summer given the failed takeover.
The 28-year-old scored only 8 goals this season in what was a poor campaign for the striker, but his ability and goalscoring prowess would offer better options upfront for the club, with Joelinton only managing 2 league goals.
Jeff Hendrick
The 28-year-old Ireland international is currently a free agent after his contract expired with Burnley at the end of this season, and Newcastle are already in to try and agree on a deal with the midfielder for his services according to the Daily Mail.
Having played 24 league games for Burnley this season, Hendrick had a moderate season, averaging a 75.6% pass completion rate, but would offer the Magpies bundles of Premier League experience for their midfield.
With the current financial climate in football, a free transfer for a player of Hendrick’s ability and experience would be a no brainer for the club and could save them some important funds to invest in areas of the squad that need it most.
Giacomo Bonaventura
A name that may not be known too well to the Newcastle faithful, and possibly an ambitious but not unrealistic transfer – Bonaventura has only until the end of August before his contract with AC Milan expires – and the Magpies could get an extremely talented and experienced midfielder at all levels of the game could be captured on a free transfer, or for a cut-price due to the ending of his contract.
The 30-year-old scored 3 goals with 5 assists this season in 29 league appearances – and averaged an 85.6% pass completion rate. Bonaventura would be a fantastic signing for the Toon, and Bruce and the club should certainly make an offer for him.