It looks like the summer transfer window will be a busy one for Newcastle as they look to bounce back from a disappointing season so far.
A decision needs to be made at Newcastle about Eddie Howe’s future. (Image: Martin Rickett/PA Wire.)
There is no doubt that it will be a big summer for Newcastle United, with clear steps needed to be taken in the rebuilding of the club. The Magpies currently sit 12th in the Premier League table.
This position is lower than they had hoped or planned for a season that included Champions League football. There is already talk of potential transfer activity when the summer window opens.
Midfielder Sandro Tonali appears to be at the center of the coverage. The Italian continues to be linked with clubs such as Arsenal and Manchester United as clubs make plans for the summer window.
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The club are calm about his future, with the 25-year-old still under contract until 2019, with an option for a further year. However, comments from chief executive David Hopkinson suggest the club would be open to a sale if the price is right.
A potential sale could be central to Newcastle’s summer rebuild as they look to climb the Premier League table again next season. Here’s a look at what that rebuild would look like.
Spend Sandro Tonali’s money
If Tonali leaves in the summer, most of that money should be reinvested into the team. Firstly, the club needs to bring in a replacement for the Italian player in order to leave no holes in the squad.
Juventus’ Kefren Thuram is one of the players recently linked with a possible move to St James’ Park. The Magpies are also reportedly interested in Monaco’s Lamine Camara.
But it’s not just in midfield that money can be reinvested, it’s also up front, which is one area Newcastle should aim to strengthen again in the summer. After a strong start to the season, Nick Woltemade’s form has slowed and he has not scored in the Premier League or Champions League since December.
(Image: CameraSport, Getty Images)
Yoan Wissa has mainly been on the bench in recent weeks. Newcastle need an absolute goalscorer to replace Alexander Isak.
Tottenham are reportedly interested in Dominic Solanke and could be available at a reduced price if Spurs are eliminated at the end of the season.
If there is sufficient funds, the club may consider bringing in a new goalkeeper. Aaron Ramsdale is set to return to his parent club Southampton in the summer. With Mark Gillespie and John Ruddy’s contracts expiring, Nick Pope is the only senior goalkeeper option.
Keep other big players
It is probably accepted that Newcastle may need to sell one or two of their key players, but it is important that the club does not go too far in selling. In addition to Tonali, Bruno Guimarães, Anthony Gordon, Tino Libramento and Lewis Hall are also among the players said to be attracting interest from other clubs.
If Newcastle want to regain Champions League qualification, losing all or most of these players will not help them. The team needs to maintain its core, and sell one or two players a year for a high price to make up for it.
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It’s not ideal, but it’s the reality for a club like Newcastle looking to break the glass ceiling. Putting money into the club not only helps improve profitability and sustainability (PSR) but also allows for reinvestment, which is key to the rebuild.
But just as important is retaining most of the players that got them there in the first place.
Eddie Howe’s decision
Another big decision Newcastle have to make concerns the future of manager Eddie Howe. The defeat against Sunderland has raised questions about his future.
However, given that he has already led Newcastle to two Champions League titles, he should be given the chance to be part of the rebuild.
The situation surrounding Isak and the uncertainty over his future would not have helped the preparations for the new season. If there is a clear plan this time around and the manager is able to reinvest the money brought into the club, then success will be even more likely.
Changing managers in the summer is a big risk and may not pay off. Howe has proven what he can do with this team.
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