Newcastle United are flying high with European qualification next season already assured.
What needs to be done to carry on their upwards trajectory?
- 1) New contract for Demba Ba
Demba Ba will be a real bargain for someone if his ‘release fee’ clause is triggered. It is rumoured to be around £7 million, and there will be a number of clubs already monitoring him. His form may have dropped off in the second half of the season but he is a proven goalscorer and one Newcastle want to hang onto. The club need to re-negotiate his contract without the release clause, so that if Ba does even end up going eventually, they will get a price for him representative of his true value.
2) Is there adequate back-up for Cheik Tiote?
Cheik Tiote often walks a fine disciplinary line with suspensions, but this season he has had his fair share of injury too, plus the African Nations Cup. Newcastle have coped ok, but with the demanding schedule of the Europa League next season, the club’s squad will be tested to the limit. It was surely no coincidence that at the weekend Manchester City took a grip on the game when Tiote departed late on, and Newcastle will have to scour the market for a similar type player to act as both back-up and an alternative.
3) Centre-back position needs strengthening
Newcastle’s pairing of Steven Taylor and Fabricio Coloccini started the season terrifically. Taylor’s injury coincided with Mike Williamson’ return, but beyond that Newcastle’s options are thin on the ground. They need to strengthen the position, Jan Vertonghen is one name linked, but there is big demand for his signature and he may not come, but there will be many alternative options open to Alan Pardew.
4) Danny Simpson- stay or go?
Right-back Danny Simpson may have played his last game for the club. A near ever-present this season, he has been ruled out of the game against Everton, and with question marks hanging over his contract situation, that could be that. Simpson would be silly not to sign on again, considering Newcastle’s successful season, but it is a situation Newcastle need to resolve one way or another. They need to set him a deadline, otherwise look at signing other options. Nathaniel Clyne at Crystal Palace is one name that has been linked previously with the club if Simpson leaves.
5) Deadwood clearout
Before Newcastle move forward and start splashing the cash, they need to get rid of the deadwood and fringe players at the club to get their wages off their books and free up squad places. This includes Nile Ranger and Dan Gosling, while reports today have emerged suggesting that both Danny Guthrie and Leon Best could be allowed to leave. Alan Smith is still contracted to the club, but will be released this summer, while Peter Lovenkrands will also depart.
What else do Newcastle need to sort out in the months ahead?
image: © akuppa
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