Newcastle United: 3 internal deals new owners should prioritize

Newcastle United are being linked with several top players, but the incoming owners should also focus on completing three internal deals as soon as possible.

The pending takeover of Newcastle United has given life to a wide range of transfer rumors. The Magpies have been linked with several notable players across Europe, and the club would certainly have the funds to bring in a few top players, but there is some internal business that should be handled first.

Based on all the reports surrounding the takeover of Newcastle United, it is fair to say that the incoming owners have a plan in place to transform this club into a competitive side. Bringing in new talent will be necessary to upgrade the squad in every position, especially on the front line, but there are three current players that deserve new deals.

Matty Longstaff

Matty Longstaff has only been featured in a number of Premier League and FA Cup games, but he was a top performer for the Magpies every time he stepped out on the pitch. Steve Bruce took a major risk by trusting the 20-year-old academy product in big games against elite opponents, but Longstaff did not disappoint. With two goals in seven appearances, both of which were scored against Manchester United at home and at Old Trafford, Longstaff gave fans a preview of what he is capable of.

The youngster is a homegrown talent and he made it clear that his desire is to carry on as a Newcastle United player. His energy on the field, high work rate, composure on the ball, and his willingness to get involved in the action are all reasons why the new owners should tie down the England Under-20 international to a multi-year contract.

Javier Manquillo

Javier Manquillo is a player who was signed in 2017 when Rafa Benitez was in charge. The Spaniard had a decent debut season, but his inconsistency led to limited appearances that term. Since his debut season, Manquillo worked with private trainers to improve all aspects of his game during the summer months and it certainly paid off.

Manquillo is undoubtedly the most improved player at Newcastle United and fans would be comfortable if he started at wing-back even after the takeover is complete. Manquillo’s defensive awareness has been praised over the last year, he times his overlapping runs to perfection, and he is delivering quality crosses that lead to goals. Keeping the former Atletico Madrid and Liverpool man at St. James’ Park is a no brainer.

Jetro Willems

Jetro Willems deserves a permanent contract at Newcastle United. The Eintracht Frankfurt loanee has been one of the best players for the Magpies this season up until his season-ending injury against Chelsea on January 18th. Regarding his injury, Willems recently posted on Twitter that he expects to be game-ready by August.

With two goals – against Liverpool and Manchester City – and two assists to his name as a wing-back, Willems has put his dynamic style of play on display. Furthermore, the chemistry and understanding Willems developed with Allan Saint-Maximin has caused major problems for opposing back lines all season long.

The Dutchman wants to stay on Tyneside, and based on his form this season he deserves to play in front of the Toon Army next season. Some fans doubt that he will be the same player after his knee injury, but he has earned the right to prove doubters wrong and he at least deserves one more season in the black and white stripes of Newcastle United.