After experiencing the Champions League this season, Newcastle United will want to get back there as soon as possible.
It is not going to happen next season, with Newcastle United having no hope of qualifying on this occasion. European football is still a possibility, but it will not be UEFA’s elite competition.
But the Magpies will believe they can get back to the promised land, especially if they can avoid major injuries to key players and enhance their squad during the transfer window.
It is clear that Newcastle need to invest this summer, with the club planning to sign a centre-back, a winger, a striker and a left-back. How good they all are may depend on how much money the Magpies can spend, and that will be dictated by the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules.
But if Eddie Howe can add three or four top class players to his squad then Toon legend Alan Shearer believes that Newcastle United can get back into the top four. But if they can’t, he does not think it will be possible.
Alan Shearer says Newcastle need three or four top level signings this summer
During a Q&A with The Athletic, Shearer was asked what his expectations are for Newcastle United next season.
“I think that’s very, very difficult to answer,” he wrote.
“For a start, are the profitability and sustainability rules (PSR) going to change this summer and, if they are, does that mean Newcastle can spend?
“If Newcastle can’t spend, then I don’t think the top-four is possible. If they can spend, it all depends on how much they can spend. There’s no doubt about it that they need to go out and sign three or four top-quality players to try and get into the top four next season.
“At this stage, I have no idea if they’re going to be able to do that or not. Will they have to sell players to do it and if so, who?”
What should be Newcastle’s priority this summer
It is difficult to say which position Newcastle should prioritise. There are a lot of issues within the squad, but it may all depend on whether or not the club need to sell before they buy. For example, if Bruno Guimaraes is sold then getting someone to replace him would have to be the priority.
But a lot of supporters will point towards the attack. While Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon are extremely high quality, we do not have anyone who can match their talent on the right.
A centre-back also has to be high on the agenda, as we will eventually need to replace the ageing Fabian Schar. And the need for a centre-back has also increased following Sven Botman’s injury.
But a left-back might be the biggest requirement in defence, especially given how much Dan Burn has struggled there this season. In an ideal world, Lewis Hall would be the man to play there, with his loan deal set to become permanent for £28million. However, it would be a major surprise to see him starting there regularly next season given how little he has featured during his debut campaign.
It is going to be a very tough summer for Newcastle United, with a lot of spinning plates. Hopefully it culminates in a squad that is capable of challenging for the top four once again, but Shearer does not think that will happen unless three or four fresh faces arrive at St James’ Park.
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