5 Players Newcastle United could sign ahead of the 2023-24 Premier League Season
After securing a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League on the back of their fourth-place finish in the Premier League last season, Newcastle United have a big campaign ahead. Eddie Howe’s side is on the verge of wrapping up a blockbuster deal for AC Milan midfielder Sandro Tonali, who has been likened to fellow Italy legend Andre Pirlo.
A creative player having attributes of a box-to-box midfielder, Tonali is a complete package and together with Bruno Guimaraes, they would make for a mouth-watering duo. However, the Toons would certainly need more depth if they aim to rub shoulders against the big-wigs of European football, and their squad would certainly be tested with the additional burden of the Champions League fixtures.
While Newcastle has shown that they believe in smart recruitment, which is shown by their steady rise, the club would need more reinforcements this summer and in multiple positions.
Here are five players Newcastle United could sign ahead of the 2023-24 Premier League season:
#4 Kieran Tierney
Kieran Tierney has seen his minutes limited since Zinchenko’s arrival
Ever since Arsenal signed Oleksandr Zinchenko, Kieran Tierney has found it difficult to break into the playing XI, and thus the Scotland international has been heavily linked to Newcastle.
The 25-year-old has suffered through injuries as well, but when fully fit, he can be a handful on the left-hand touchline. He has been able to contribute more goals and assists than Dan Burn and given Tierney’s age and profile, he would certainly fit the bill adding more experience to the Toon’s playing XI.
Also, with the addition of the Arsenal defender, Howe would get his hands on a player who is versatile enough to feature in a back four and a back five as well, and the head coach certainly likes players who can play in multiple positions. Tierney’s current deal expires in 2026, and he would be an affordable yet enticing option at left-back.
#4 Tino Livramento
According to the latest reports, the Magpies are looking to strengthen their defense and they have set their sights on Southampton’s Tino Livramento. Howe’s side made their first move for the defender although their initial offer of £15 million was rejected.
Despite the setback, the club officials remain confident of getting the deal over the line. The Englishman is just 20, and he has huge potential.
Sporting Director Dan Ashworth remains a big fan of Livramento, who only played two matches in the Premier League having been sidelined due to a ligament rupture. During the 2021-22 season, he played 32 matches for the Saints, scoring once and setting a further two assists.
#3 Kalvin Phillips
After an impressive season with Leeds United, Kalvin Phillips was snapped up by Manchester City but the Englishman has had to play second fiddle to Rodrigo. He made just 21 appearances all season as Pep Guardiola’s side won the treble but a player of his calibre would certainly be inching for more minutes.
With the arrival of Mateo Kovacic, the Englishman is likely to have more competition and therefore a move to Newcastle would allow Phillips to get regular game time. Signing the 27-year-old would allow Howe to deploy Guimaraes in a higher role alongside Tonali.
Add to that the defensive attributes of Kalvin, it would certainly elevate the Magpies’ playing XI and would make them even more resolute in matches against the big boys of the Champions League.
#2 Raphinha
After dazzling the Premier League previously with Leeds, the Brazilian joined Barcelona with high hopes but Raphinha has somewhat struggled to live up to the high expectations at Camp Nou.
He has so far failed to nail down a place for himself in the playing XI under Xavi and with Ousmane Dembele being fully fit, the Frenchman is likely to be first choice next season. That could open up the door for Newcastle to swoop in and entice Raphinha now that the Magpies can offer him Champions League football as well.
Raphinha could be a blockbuster signing to mark the start of Newcastle’s new era
The 26-year-old racked up a tally of 10 goals and 12 assists in 50 matches across all competitions last season, and those numbers certainly prove he has a lot to bring to the table, and Howe would really benefit from having a player of his calibre.
Together with the likes of Allan Saint-Maximin, Alexander Isak and Raphinha’s pace, they would certainly make a fearsome trio which no defence line would like to faceoff against.
#1 Neymar
When Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund took control of Newcastle, their ultimate goal would have been to take the club to the top of the footballing pyramid. To do that, they would certainly want to win the Champions League one day and that cannot be done without signing some of the best players in the world.
Just like Erling Haaland gave City an extra edge allowing them to go the distance last season, Newcastle would also need that talismanic presence, and luckily for them one of the most talented players in the world – Neymar – is angling for a move away from Paris Saint-Germain.
Howe has previously poured cold water on rumours linking Neymar to St James’ Park, however, it’s a similar tactic to what Guardiola also did previously. Considering the sporting project, the Brazilian and the Toons make a stunning match.
Moving to Tyneside would allow the PSG superstar a fresh start, and he’d be the centre-piece of a team on the rising curve, Neymar would essentially be able to move ‘out of the shadows’ of other big names. While it would take a lot of money for Newcastle to sign the 31-year-old, they certainly have deep pockets and it would be a massive statement of intent from the new owners.