Newcastle are three steps away from unleashing Eddie Howe’s dream XI with devastating midfield

Eddie Howe and Newcastle United will have the bit between their teeth after failing to qualify for European football last season. The Magpies performed valiantly in the Champions League group of death but were knocked out of the competition at the first hurdle and failed to qualify for Europe despite finishing in seventh place.

Manchester United’s FA Cup triumph saw the Red Devils secure Europa League football for the upcoming campaign. In one sense, its a bitter blow in terms of Financial Fair Play for the Magpies, but on the flip side of the coin, the Toon will have a much less congested fixture list to contend with as they look to win some silverware this time round.

Qualifying for the Champions League again will be a huge boost for the club if they’re able to replicate their 2022/23 form and they’re just a few steps away from being able to unleash a devastating starting XI.

The proposed move for Marc Guehi would be the first real statement of intent from Newcastle this summer. The Magpies are in talks with Crystal Palace over a reported £60m move after an impressive campaign with the Eagles.

The 24-year-old defender was also among the standout performers for Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions at Euro 2024 and would be a welcome, quality addition in the heart of Newcastle’s defence.

Secondly, the signing of a right-winger is imperative if the Magpies are serious about realising their lofty ambitions. Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak lead the way in terms of goal contributions last season, but Newcastle need more from the right-hand side of their forward line.

The likes of Nico Gonzalez and Federico Chiesa have been linked with moves to the Magpies to add goals, assists and some much needed depth to that area of the pitch. It remains to be seen if either of those players will come through the St. James’ Park door this summer, but a player of their ilk certainly wouldn’t be frowned upon.

Lastly, and perhaps somewhat overlooked this summer, is the return of Sandro Tonali. The Italian international was given a ten month ban for betting offences, followed up by a suspended two month ban for breaching the FA’s betting rules.

Tonali will be able to play for Newcastle on September the 1st when they take on Tottenham Hotspur at St. James’ Park. The 24-year-old made just 12 appearances for the Magpies in all competitions prior to his ban and will be like a new signing next season.

The combative midfielder will come back with a point to prove having missed the majority of last season, but also give Howe a welcome selection headache in the heart of midfield. Still viewed as more of a number eight, Tonali’s inclusion could well give Bruno Guimaraes more license to get forward.

A midfield three of Joelinton, Guimaraes and Tonali would strike fear into the opposition and something Newcastle supporters have not yet seen on a consistent basis.