The 2023/24 Premier League season has just ended for Newcastle United, but attentions are already turning towards the 2024/25 campaign.
Fans are pondering who could arrive at St James’ Park, with the transfer window set to be very interesting for the Magpies. The club are looking to bring in a couple of centre-backs, while most of the budget could go towards a new right-winger.
But how many, if any, new signings will start the new Premier League season in Eddie Howe’s starting XI? That might depend on their position, when they signed and where they have came from, as well as who the Magpies are playing. Newcastle United will discover the fixture list for the 2024/25 Premier League season on June 18th.
Ahead of those fixtures, this is Geordie Boot Boys’ early prediction for Newcastle United’s starting XI on the first day of next season.
Nick Pope
Whether a new goalkeeper arrives or not, Nick Pope should start next season as Newcastle United’s number one. He has done nothing to warrant losing his place in the starting XI, and was a major miss during his injury absence.
Even if someone as talented as Aaron Ramsdale joins the club, Eddie Howe should keep faith in Pope for now.
Kieran Trippier
There are question marks over Kieran Trippier’s Newcastle future given his age and contract situation, but we predict he will be in the team on the opening day of next season.
That means starting ahead of Tino Livramento, whose season was ended early due to injury. But he will be back by the start of the 2024/25 campaign, and will be keen to push Trippier for that right-back position.
Fabian Schar
Even if Tosin Adarabioyo does arrive at St James’ Park, with a deal rumoured to be on the cards, Fabian Schar is likely to keep his place in the XI.
The 32-year-old was incredibly reliable last season, and was one of the Magpies’ most consistent performers. While Tosin might eventually take his place, he will have to wait patiently for that opportunity.
Lloyd Kelly
But one summer signing who we do predict will start on the opening day of next season is Lloyd Kelly. The 25-year-old is expected to sign for Newcastle on a free, with Eddie Howe hoping to be reunited with a player who he brought to Bournemouth in 2019.
Whether it is at centre-back or left-back, we anticipate Kelly to enjoy a fast start to life on Tyneside, given how familiar he is to Howe.
Dan Burn
Dan Burn enjoyed an exceptional end to the season at centre-back, suggesting to Toon fans that should be his regular position. Whether that will be the case next season remains to be seen, but on this instance we have got the Geordie giant at left-back.
We anticipate Howe will go for experience on the opening day, no matter who the Magpies are up against. That means no Lewis Hall in the Newcastle XI, despite the £28million man really starting to find his feet in a black and white shirt.
Sean Longstaff
Newcastle’s midfield will not be too different at the start of next season, with Sandro Tonali’s suspension not expiring until August 27th. That means Sean Longstaff will have a chance to stake a claim after a tough season, and he will hopefully use the summer to get over the fitness issues that have hindered his performances.
Bruno Guimaraes
Unless someone finds £100million in the next few weeks, Bruno Guimaraes is going nowhere. Newcastle United are not going to sell him for less than that, which is why it currently feels likely that he will remain on Tyneside.
That is what everyone associated with the club wants, as he is our talisman in the middle of the park.
Joe Willock
After a season ruined by injury, the 2024/25 campaign is massive for Joe Willock. He missed 37 of Newcastle’s 51 games, with the Magpies deciding to end his season early to focus on being fully fit for the next campaign.
The 24-year-old should be raring to go in pre-season, which will hopefully lead to him making up for lost time when the new Premier League season begins.
Anthony Gordon
A new right winger is expected to arrive this summer, and it should be a marquee name. The likes of Jarrod Bowen have been linked, although there are fears he will be too expensive.
Whoever does arrive, they might have to wait for their chance to start.
Eddie Howe rarely rushes his new signings into the starting XI, which is why we have got Anthony Gordon moving from left to right. The 23-year-old is just as capable on that flank, and will hopefully start next season strongly after a bright summer with England at the Euros.
Alexander Isak
Just like Bruno, Alexander Isak is not expected to leave Newcastle United this summer. He is even more likely to stay than Bruno, as the 24-year-old does not have a release clause in his contract.
With the Magpies valuing him at nearly £200million, Isak will be staying at St James’ Park, and will hope to get even closer to the Premier League golden boot in 2024/25.
Joelinton
This is probably the boldest prediction of this XI, with Joelinton playing on the left wing rather than in the middle. That is what Howe wanted to do more last season, but injuries robbed him of that opportunity.
But that could be how Newcastle start next season, with Joelinton dovetailing with Willock down the left like they did so well during the 2022/23 campaign. It is an even more likely option if Newcastle start next season away from home.
It is a great option to have, and why it was so important we kept Joelinton. He is such a unique player, and one that Howe will want to rely on more when the Premier League returns.
Predicted XI on the first day of next season: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Kelly, Burn; Longstaff, Bruno, Willock; Gordon, Isak, Joelinton.
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