With the Championship now beneath Newcastle United, the job is not complete.
As we see Newcastle United ride off into the sunset of the Championship, into the dawn of the Premier league, the task ahead is not easy by any means.
A transition in these leagues comes with a transition in style of play and skill. With that said, Newcastle United needs a team overhaul. Some need to be moved along, and others need to have their stay renewed.
I am going to give my suggestion of several deals that need to be done by The Magpies, and as soon as possible
Jetro Willems (PSV Eindhoven):
Jetro is a young, fast, and attacking type left-back that knows how to track back and defend. Even though Paul Dummett was fairly consistent for us in the Championship, I believe that he will need a push from someone as able as Willems. Valued at 7 million GBP.
Ryan Shawcross (Stoke City): Shawcross has been in the conversations of many Newcastle United fans for a while. Not only is he experienced in the Premier League, he is a leader of men. He stands tall, is strong, and is brain on legs. He could partner up with Lascelles rather well, but one would be in charge of another and I think we all know Ryan would be top man. Valued at 9.5 million GBP.
Jack Cork/Gylfi Sigurdsson (Swansea City): Yes you read it, a double name. Swansea will not let both players go, but could very well let one go. I think either of these players would do well for Newcastle but what we need to figure out is which position is more critical for us right now. Cork hasn’t had much playing time lately but by no means is incapable, he’s proven this many times. Sigurdsson on the other hand, who wouldn’t want him? He’s as creative and dazzling as they come. Gylfi would be much more difficult to sign. Cork valued at 4.3 million GBP. Sigurdsson valued at 17 million GBP.
Andre Gray (Burnley FC): Andre has been mentioned time and time again throughout the blog-sphere and there’s good reason. A young, yet experienced player who scored nine goals in 31 games for a team like Burnley is pretty good! Imagine him getting service from JonJo Shelvey and crosses from Matt Ritchie, magic! His goal to game ration could be vastly better by serving Newcastle.
Sign extensions for Clark, Lascelles, Darlow, Shelvey and Ritchie. I think letting Mitrovic sweat it for a bit could put a little pep in his step when he next plays.
This is just my opinion, and of course it’s just fun and games, because honestly anything written during transfer season is often speculation of desperation.