Newcastle’s transfer business could take the team to the next level
It’s been a strange period for Newcastle United at boardroom level, with the prospect of a Saudi takeover seemingly falling flat in the end. Supporters have been desperate to see the club in new hands for some time, but in terms of the make-up of the team for the upcoming season, there are reasons for Newcastle fans to be cheerful ahead of the big kick-off.
The success of Steve Bruce last season proved many doubters wrong – those who had scoffed at his appointment following the departure of renowned European-trophy winning manager Rafa Benítez. But Bruce did remarkably well to steer Newcastle clear of a relegation battle and, in the end, finish comfortably in 13th place in the Premier League table.
Now, Newcastle fans are pondering whether Bruce can take them to that next level and finish in the top half of the table, perhaps even challenging for a European place. They might not be the most fancied team in the Premier League betting odds, but Bruce has made some shrewd acquisitions in the transfer market which could propel Newcastle up the table.
Newcastle have raided Bournemouth for attacking duo Callum Wilson and Ryan Fraser. The pair had arguably been the Cherries’ best players in their last couple of seasons in the Premier League before their relegation, contributing goals and assists aplenty, and they should help Newcastle become a bit more of a threat in forward areas.
The diminutive Fraser is a tricky winger – skilful with the ball at his feet and not afraid to take defenders on. With the Scottish international on one side of the pitch and Magpies fan-favourite Allan Saint-Maximin on the other, Newcastle will have two of the most dangerous wingers in the league.
Wilson is a proven goalscorer – something Newcastle have sorely lacked in recent campaigns. Last summer’s big signing Joelinton, although a hard worker, has struggled to find the net enough to justify his club record fee of £40m. Wilson will offer something a little bit different, and his presence in the squad might just bring out the best in Joelinton too, as competition for places becomes that much more intense.
Another summer acquisition for Newcastle is the highly-rated left-back Jamal Lewis, who arrived for a reported £13.5m from relegated Norwich City. At 21, Lewis has a bright future ahead of him, and was the subject of much interest from last season’s Premier League champions Liverpool, before Norwich’s price valuation put the Reds off. Lewis will provide stiff competition for regular left-back Paul Dummett.
Also arriving is Ireland international Jeff Hendrick. The midfielder is a confident player on the ball, and will be well versed in the dark arts of football from his time under Sean Dyche at Burnley. Newcastle have lacked a bit of impetus from the middle of the park at times, and the arrival of Hendrick should help them get on the front foot more often.
Those four signings should be enough to get Newcastle fans excited about the new season. Wilson, Fraser and Hendrick are all proven Premier League players, unlike many of the signings the club have made in prior transfer windows. Bruce has earned the respect of the fans thus far by giving them a solid season and a comfortable mid-table finish. Now is the time to go one better and begin to realise the team’s massive potential on the pitch, whatever the situation is at boardroom level.
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