It has been a difficult season for Newcastle United, and Toon fans are struggling to find reasons to remain positive right now.
The Magpies were knocked out of the FA Cup at the weekend, meaning their trophy drought will continue for at least another year.
On top of that, their Premier League campaign is not going to plan. Qualifying for the Champions League again is not going to happen, and there is a chance we might miss out on Europe altogether.
Then there is the issue of profit and sustainability, with fears that Newcastle might need to sell a top star like Bruno Guimaraes or Alexander Isak to fund the club’s summer rebuild.
There is a lot of negativity surrounding Newcastle United right now, but here are seven reasons for Toon fans to be positive.
Europa League is still a possibility
While Newcastle United are currently struggling in the Premier League, European football remains a possibility. And with 10 games to go, they can still qualify for the Europa League.
A seventh-place finish might be enough to put the Magpies into UEFA’s secondary competition next season, with the Premier League currently on course to win a fifth qualification slot for the Champions League under its new format.
That would then mean that sixth and seventh qualify for the Europa League – if Manchester City win this season’s FA Cup. They are certainly the favourites, as they prepare to face Chelsea in the semi final next month.
No more games against Premier League elite
Newcastle have 10 games remaining, and they are all against beatable opponents. We no longer have to take on Man City, Liverpool or Arsenal, with Man United away probably our toughest game remaining.
We obviously have some hard fixtures, but Howe should have confidence that he can beat any of the teams in front of him – assuming he can find a way to get Newcastle United back to their best.
Nick Pope returns from injury next month
One way Newcastle can improve is by getting Nick Pope back to full fitness. He has been missing since November with a shoulder injury, but is due back at the end of April.
It will be a big boost to have him fit for the final few games of the season, as Martin Dubravka has struggled to have the same kind of impact as Pope in between the sticks.
Adidas on their way back to St James’ Park
We are in the final few months of Newcastle donning Castore kits. Adidas are on their way back, with a £40million-a-year deal set to kick off this summer.
What they already have planned sounds very exciting, while the club are also bracing themselves for a huge spike in interest when they start to sell the new Adidas gear in the coming months.
Joelinton’s contract talks looking more positive
As it stands, Newcastle might have to sell Joelinton this summer. That is because he is yet to sign a new contract, with his current deal expiring in 2025.
However, the most recent update stated that talks were heading in the right direction, with Amanda Staveley taking over negotiations after Dan Ashworth went on gardening leave.
Newcastle absolutely need to keep Joelinton, so it is good to know that the club are working towards just that.
Sandro Tonali getting closer to returning
Every day that passes is a day closer to Sandro Tonali being able to play again. The midfielder is currently serving a 10-month ban, having been suspended after the Italian Football Federation investigated his betting activity.
It has been a huge blow to be without our second most expensive signing ever, but he will be able to play competitive football again come the end of August.
And the main thing is that he is still training with Newcastle, ensuring he is in perfect shape to make a major impression when he is allowed to play again. Eddie Howe says he has been excellent in training, while he is also able to speak English now, which is a big bonus.
This ban has been horrible for Tonali, but it could allow him to come out the other side an even better player for the Magpies.
So much teenage talent at Newcastle
While this season has been tough, Newcastle United have a very bright future. Obviously PIF want to go right to the top, and they have the funds to do just that.
But the club have also been bolstering their youth ranks, with Newcastle’s academy now boasting a lot of young players who could develop into real stars at St James’ Park. Trevan Sanusi looks incredibly exciting at the age of 16, while 18-year-old Alfie Harrison has just arrived from Manchester City.
On top of that, Yankuba Minteh is flying for Feyenoord, while Garang Kuol still has a lot of hype surrounding him.
With all of those additions, and the emergence of 17-year-old Lewis Miley, the future is certainly very bright for Newcastle United. We have some amazing young players who are going to save the club a lot of money in the coming years.
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