Newcastle United kick start their 2024/25 Premier League campaign at home to Southampton in little over a weeks time. The Magpies welcome Russell Martin’s newly promoted side to St. James’ Park on Saturday, August 17 and have two outings in the Sela Cup this weekend in the final instalment of pre-season preparations.
Girona and Brest have travelled over to Tyneside this weekend to take part in the latest edition of the Sela Cup, giving Eddie Howe the perfect opportunity to get some final minutes into the legs of his squad before the real deal starts next weekend. Off the pitch, Newcastle have been busy with Lewis Hall’s move to St. James’ Park made permanent, while Will Osula and Odysseas Vlachodimos have also come through the door.
More players could still arrive before the summer transfer window deadline on August 30, with Newcastle fans clamouring for a right-winger and a centre-back to be added to the squad. With this in mind, Chronicle Live has detailed what Howe and Newcastle’s dream starting XI might look like next season.
Marc Guehi deal agreed
Newcastle United have not hidden their desire to add a centre-back to their squad this summer and one player that’s high on their list is Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi. The Eagles defender was among the standout performers for England on their route to the Euro 2024 final.
The Magpies have had a second approach for Guehi rejected, believed to be in the region of £50m, with Palace holding out for a fee in the region of £65m for the England international. Newcastle are involved in intense talks with their fellow Premier League side with all parties said to be keen on striking a deal.
If the Toon were to agree a deal for the 24-year-old defender, it would be a considerable coup and welcome addition to their backline this summer. The Magpies have lacked the strength in depth to be able to maintain their European push last season, with an injury to Sven Botman a major blow.
Howe said yesterday: “We’re slightly light on numbers (at centre-half). Emil (Krafth) has done a really good job during pre-season, playing inside from his normal full-back position, and he has the capability of doing that.
“We have very good players in there, but, naturally, when you lose players like Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles for the length of the time we have, that was a big dent in the middle of our defence. It’s two huge losses. I think the lads that came in at the back end of last season did very well, but it’s certainly an area we’re looking at.”
Anthony Gordon stays
There’s been plenty of speculation linking Anthony Gordon with a move back to Merseyside this summer, with Liverpool interested in a move for the England international. However, Newcastle are understood to have scheduled contract talks with the 23-year-old after a stellar first full season with the Magpies.
The left winger chipped in with 12 goals and 11 assists in all competitions last season, his best individual return in front of goal. Talks of a £75m approach from the Reds would be an enticing proposition for the boyhood Reds fan, but Newcastle’s stance is clear, he’s not for sale this summer.
“He’s such an important player for us, we didn’t want to lose anybody,” Howe said last month, clearly setting out Newcastle’s stance. “Why would we want to lose our best players?
“We fought really hard to make the right decisions. In those last few weeks, it was very, very difficult. He’s an integral part of what we’re doing.”
Federico Chiesa signs
While many supporters of a black and white contingent would have made the right-wing slot a priority this summer, the move for Marc Guehi suggests a dampened down approach. Still, it’s not unrealistic to suggest an incoming signing under the value of £30m before the transfer deadline, especially if fringe players can be sold.
Which is where Juventus winger Federico Chiesa comes into play. New Juve boss Thiago Motta has made it clear the Italian international is part of his plans and recent reports claim the Old Lady could ask for as little as £15m for the 26-year-old Euro 2020 winner.
It was during that competition where Chiesa first drew the attention from a number of Premier League clubs and he’s been repeatedly linked with a move to Tyneside since the PIF takeover. He would bring a wealth of experience at the highest level and bring an eye for goal in an area where Newcastle have struggled in recent seasons.
Fringe players depart
Isaac Hayden, Ryan Fraser, Jamal Lewis and Martin Dubravka are just some of the fringe players touted to leave Newcastle this summer. A number of them are in the final year of their contract and while they may not be able to command a huge transfer fee, it would certainly help the Magpies when it comes to future deals and getting off the wage bill.
Re-sale value of players have been a major sticking point for Newcastle’s owners after taking over the club. Unlike their European rivals, they’re unable to command high transfer fees for fringe players, at least until this summer and the departures of Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh.
The latter of the duo represents a route the Magpies could go down this summer under Paul Mitchell, with Newcastle yet to really take the plunge into European and South American waters for upcoming talents.
DREAM NEWCASTLE STARTING XI: Pope; Trippier, Botman, Guehi, Hall; Tonali, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Gordon, Isak, Chiesa.
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