Opinion: Newcastle United must sign four players this summer

Newcastle United must sign four players this summer to add more depth and promote internal competition in certain positions next season.

An article focused on summer transfers when we don’t even know when the season will kick off again? I know, I know, but it’s important to think ahead during this time of inactivity.

Newcastle United are expected to be busy in the summer transfer window, and it is critical that the club adds some quality players. The Magpies are often linked to defenders, but that is not a position where reinforcements are needed.

Newcastle United have one of the best back-lines in the Premier League for teams outside the top six, and the team enjoys quality competition on the bench as well. Areas in which the club must strengthen are in midfield and up top.

With only 25 goals scored through 29 games, it is quite obvious that the front-line is in dire need of an extreme makeover. Joelinton has been the only healthy striker for Newcastle United this season and that is unfortunate because he has failed to adapt to his role as a target man.

This scenario cannot be repeated next term. Bruce needs to add two strikers to his wishlist in order to improve the team’s offensive efficiency and overall attacking quality. Moreover, the addition of two new strikers would also take enormous pressure off Joelinton’s shoulders.

In addition, Steve Nickson and his scouting staff need to do their best to identify two midfielders this summer. The contract dilemma regarding the Longstaff brothers is a red flag and the club needs at least one more central midfielder to support Isaac Hayden and Jonjo Shelvey.

Nabil Bentaleb has made it clear that he wishes to make his move to Newcastle United permanent. That will all depend on his form when the season picks up again, but fans should hope he performs well as he would provide a major boost for the squad in the middle of the park.

That being said, a winger is also needed. At the moment, Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin are untouchable on the wings, but they need competition to maintain their good runs of form. Matt Ritchie is a solid back up, but the same cannot be said for Christian Atsu.

Valentino Lazaro would be a major upgrade to Atsu if he agrees to a permanent deal, but his aim is to return to Inter Milan. The Magpies should try to change his mind, and maybe the idea of more playing time will do that, but the scouting staff should keep their eyes open for other available wingers this summer in case Lazaro leaves because Atsu is simply not cutting it in the top flight.