Newcastle United will surely be in the market for new signings this summer.
Newcastle United look set for another season in the Premier League after Saturday’s 1-0 win over Huddersfield Town, and that may leave Rafael Benitez and co preparing for the next campaign.
New signings would be needed to help Newcastle kick on, and with that in mind, here is a five-point plan for how the Magpies should attack the summer transfer window…
1. Back Rafael Benitez heavily
One of the problems many believe that Newcastle have faced in recent transfer windows is that manager Rafael Benitez hasn’t been backed by Mike Ashley. The Spaniard has worked with a largely Championship-level squad this season, but was only handed three loan deals in January. If Benitez is to help Newcastle fulfil their huge potential, he needs to be handed funds to bring in quality signings on permanent deals – or the Magpies may risk losing Benitez.
2. Keep Jamaal Lascelles
New reports from The Mirror suggest that Chelsea are keen to snap up Newcastle defender Jamaal Lascelles this summer, with the centre back emerging as one of the Magpies’ top players this season. Lascelles has starred under Benitez, and should be in the running for an England call-up either this summer, or for the 2020 European Championships qualifiers. The club captain and the heartbeat of the Newcastle defence, Lascelles must be kept at St. James’ Park at all costs this summer.
3. Sign a top striker whilst sending Slimani back
Newcastle went into the January transfer window needing a new striker, and they did eventually land one as Islam Slimani joined the club on loan from Leicester City on deadline day. However, the Algerian has managed to play just 15 minutes of action since his move, and that came in Saturday’s 1-0 home win over Huddersfield Town. With Dwight Gayle and Joselu far from prolific Premier League strikers, it’s imperative that Newcastle find a top striker to lead the line for them next season and beyond – possibly meaning that they don’t pursue a permanent deal for Slimani.
4. Finally find the No. 10 Benitez wants
Newcastle boss Benitez has been needing a consistent attacking midfielder for some time now, and whilst Ayoze Perez scored against Huddersfield, he may still need another player in that area, with Fulham’s Tom Cairney heavily linked over the last 18 months. Finding a true No. 10 who can score and create would give Newcastle another dimension, and hand Benitez a key part to his 4-2-3-1 system at St. James’ Park.
5. Secure Dubravka and Kenedy
Whilst Slimani may not earn a permanent deal, goalkeeper Martin Dubravka and winger Kenedy are certainly in contention for such moves. Signed from Sparta Prague and Chelsea respectively in January, Dubravka and Kenedy have made major impacts for Newcastle whilst quickly becoming fan favourites, with full-time deals potentially being pursued. Dubravka would be a much simpler signing than Kenedy, but having seen both of them impress, Benitez must be keen on signing the duo permanently this summer.
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