We don’t want to jinx it but all things being well, Rafa Benitez will guide Newcastle United to promotion this season and the club will take its place back where it belongs; in the Premier League.
The January transfer window did not of well for Newcastle or Benitez and it put a strain on the relationship between the manager and the board.
Hopefully the summer will be better because making the right additions in the off-season will be crucial to Newcastle doing well if promotion is secured.
Getting players in when you are a newly promoted side can be difficult but one way to do it is picking the best players from the Championship to take with you.
Here are a few players we think Rafa should look to sign if the Magpies are a top-flight team next year:
Tom Ince
Rafa wanted to sign a wide player in January as he looked to bring back Andros Townsend. If that deal is dead, Tom Ince would provide a decent alternative.
Charlie Taylor
One of the most promising young defenders in England’s second division.
He’s widely expected to leave Leeds in the summer and promotion may be the only thing able to keep him at Elland Road next season.
His contract expires at the end of the season, meaning the Magpies could get him for free.
Tom Cairney
Tom Cairney has established himself as one of the league’s better midfielders. He’d be a decent addition.
Helder Costa
Helder Costa just looks like a Premier League player. He has pace to burn and an eye for goal. He’d cost a fair bit though!
Timm Klose
A centre back addition would be most welcome and Timm Klose looks like a player who can meet the demands of the Premier League.
Tammy Abraham
Tammy Abraham won’t be for sale but a loan from Chelsea is certainly a possibility. He’s tore up the Championship and will be looking to play in the top flight.
Pontus Jansson
Another big, physical centre back. Newcastle will likely have to do a fair bit of defending, he’d be an ideal man to add presence to the back line.
Dominic Iorfa
21-year-old Dominic Iorfa looks destined to play in the Premier League. Newcastle could get a gem if they get him in early.
Mile Jedinak
It might sound a bit crazy seeing as he’s 32-years-old and Newcastle have a good set of midfielders but Mile Jedinak is a good player who would bring decent experience and nous to the squad.
Lewis Dunk
One of the best players in the league. If Brighton somehow don’t go up, he’d be a quality buy for most Premier League sides.