Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie has been speaking about how different Newcastle United’s squad could look this time next year under PIF’s ownership.
It has now officially been a year since PIF bought Newcastle and there has been a lot of change in that time, with the training ground being upgraded, Sports Direct signs being brought down at St James’ Park, Eddie Howe coming in for Steve Bruce, while thus far, eight new players have arrived on Tyneside.
Those eight players are all now key figures and have featured quite regularly since they joined the club – and Downie has now claimed that this time next year, Newcastle could indeed have a whole new playing squad.
Speaking on the NUFC360 YouTube channel, Downie believes that in 12 months’ time, the majority of Newcastle’s squad could be new players, with perhaps a few exceptions such as Joelinton and Allan Saint-Maximin.
He said: “You’ve got eight players there in two transfer windows. I honestly think there could well be a situation this time next year where you could have a full starting XI of players that have been signed since the takeover.
Will Newcastle qualify for Europe this season?
Yes!
No!
“If you bring another two or three players in January and then maybe another three or four next summer, you’re looking at a full starting XI.
“And I’m not saying that means that Allan Saint-Maximin’s going to be gone or Joelinton’s going to be on the bench. I’m just saying you could then have the option of a full squad that would replace the existing XI – who would have thought that within under two years?”
TIF Thoughts on Newcastle’s future…
Downie talking about how the future could look on Tyneside this time next year will surely excite fans, especially when it comes to transfers and the sort of players they may be watching in the famous black and white shirt next season.
It would certainly mark a rapid turnaround in such a short space of time, which may not only transform the playing squad, but Newcastle’s entire fortunes.
Newcastle occupied seventh place in the Premier League heading into the weekend, which would secure a spot in the Europa Conference League come the end of the campaign – and having that on offer to new signings could well allow them to target a different calibre of player.
While it may be hard for Newcastle fans and Howe to potentially move on or phase out players that have helped the club get to where it is now such as Jonjo Shelvey and Callum Wilson, it may well be necessary to ensure they keep their momentum going.