A successful season for Newcastle United awaits summer changes
Newcastle United has come so far this season, but despite a hugely successful campaign – in which the Magpies exceeded expectations to clinch a top-four spot, and the prestige of the Champion’s League, the summer window looks to be increasingly challenging, yet transformational – with head coach Howe labeling it as “our toughest yet”, according to BBC Sport.
With the coming of the summer transfer window, Newcastle will have to juggle signing 4-6 quality players who can help raise the quality in the squad, if they are wanting to fight on multiple fronts, with the domestic cups and Europe.
While at the same time shedding the ‘dead wood’ such as Manquillo, Darlow, Lascelles, and Ritchie to bring down the wage bill to make way for incoming signings, and to comply with Financial fair play regulations.
Adding to a busy summer schedule, at the tail end of July Newcastle for the first time will play in the US in the Premier League’s inaugural Summer Series pre-season tournament.
Along with participating and planning in a busy pre-season, Howe will no doubt be in constant contact with Newcastle Director of Football Dan Ashworth regarding transfer strategy.
Preparations for the busy window and Newcastle’s long-term recruitment plans have had light shed on them by the TrainingGroundGuru, who reports that the Magpies have filled their 5-man position analyst team, who will enable the Magpies scout specifically for the position they require, which will be integral to when identifying the right targets to bring in summer – especially in Midfield where the frailties of the squad have been highlighted.
The ownership, nor Howe did expect to find themselves sealing a Champion’s League berth this season. Certainly, this feelgood factor brought to the club, and pride felt by the fans was personified by co-owner Staveley’s who was visibly emotional, come the celebratory lap of honor that followed the final whistle on Monday night.
Howe reflected a similar spirited celebration along with Coach Graeme Jones, uncharacteristic of the usual calm demeanor presented by Howe in the dugout, emphasizing the gravity of the Magpies’ achievement this season.
The team is well ahead of the Ownership’s 10-year plan year plan, and in his pre-match interview with Sky Sports Howe stated publicly that were not anticipating making Champion’s League, or for that did they “feel ready”.
However, with the revamped structure within the club demonstrated by the wholesale changes in the recruitment department and the academy infrastructure, the Magpies will be more than prepared to face the challenges presented by the summer window, and the European campaign to come in 2023/24.
Again, the clichéd notion that the magpies will completely loosen the purse strings on their spending was quashed by Howe due to restrictions the club faces with FFP stipulations.
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Undeniably, a non-negotiable this summer is that Newcastle will continue their approach regarding previous transfers -they will not pay over the odds.