For all the commotion surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, one interesting piece of news coming out of the UK that stands out is Newcastle United’s impending £300m takeover by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund. Although the sale of the club is still in process, there has been no shortage of either links to players, or excitement among fans over the course of the last month. Some of the biggest names in Europe have been linked to the Magpies, and which of those players they’re actually able to go out and sign could define the course of their upcoming league campaign.
The first name that’s been touted to make a move to Newcastle this season is Ajax midfielder Donny Van De Beek. The playmaker, as has been suggested by Le10Sport, is very much on the Magpies’ radar for the summer transfer window. Moreover, a slightly older ESPN report has claimed that the Tyneside club are interested in more attacking reinforcements, with Chelsea ace Willian as well as Paris Saint-Germain veteran Edinson Cavani, both linked too.
Here’s how Newcastle United could line up with these signings next season:
GK – Martin Dubravka
The Slovakian international turned 31 at the start of the year, but certainly still has multiple good seasons left in the tank. The shot-stopper had been the Magpies’ saviour on various occasions this season, and there’s no need for the manager even to consider replacing him.
RB – DeAndre Yedlin
The American speedster offers excellent creativity as well as penetration when bombarding forward, but just lacks the same explosiveness when it comes to defending. The other options that the Magpies have in the role would probably do a worse job than the American.
CB – Jamaal Lascelles
The Englishman missed a reasonably large chunk of the season owing to an injury, but upon returning, he was thrown straight back into the team by Steve Bruce. The skipper is, by far, the best defender at Newcastle, and Lascelles is hence effectively guaranteed to keep his place.
CB – Fabian Schar
The Swiss international defender is one of the more experienced heads at Tyneside, and his influence in the heart of defence simply cannot be underplayed. Capable of making timely interceptions and tackles, Schar’s sheer presence at the back will come as a boost to the Magpies.
LB – Jetro Willems
The Dutchman started the campaign looking like a man on a mission, and although he put in some inspired displays, an injury forced him to miss the rest of the season. There’s no need to question Willems’ quality, and he is sure to start next season as first-choice yet again. Hopefully, the Magpies would make his transfer permanent.
CM – Jonjo Shelvey
The former Liverpool man has been one of the only Newcastle players who’ve consistently performed well in the middle of the park. Shelvey is capable of ripping teams to shreds with his passing and movement in midfield, while he boasts quite a fierce shot on goal as well.
CM – Donny Van De Beek
The Ajax man is one of the highest-rated midfielders in the whole continent right now, and it’s not overly surprising that he’s a wanted man considering his displays in the Champions League last season. Van De Beek would add excellent control to the Magpies’ midfield line.
CM – Issac Hayden
The Englishman offers a more composed option in the middle of the park than some of the other names, including the Longstaff brothers. Hayden’s presence will be a boost of confidence to the defence line behind him, while he’s also got the odd through ball under his belt.
RW – Willian
The Chelsea winger has been a loyal servant of the Premier League for many years now. The Brazilian has scored some key goals along the way, and most importantly, has two Premier League winners medals to his name as well. The addition of Willian could elevate the Magpies’ attack-line to the next level.
ST – Edinson Cavani
The PSG striker’s time at the Parisian giants is slowly but steadily drawing to a close. The Uruguayan veteran’s influence in the side has been depleting, and it would be in his best interest to find a move away. Despite being 33, Cavani will surely provide the Magpies with an edge in front of goal.
LW – Allan Saint-Maximin
The French speedster was arguably the Tyneside club’s most impactful player this season, in that he seems to be able to dribble past defenders like they’re not there. Although opening his account took some time, there’s surely more to see from the Frenchman in the years to come.
