After narrowly escaping relegation on the last day of the season, Newcastle United must now seek to overhaul there 15th placed squad.
Although owner Mike Ashley stated that he intends to fund a more ambitious club, that does not mean that the Magpies should necessarily go after a couple stars. Rather, the club needs to improve in both the quantity and the quality of the squad, as at several positions the team lacked Premier League quality talent, while at most spots the team lacked any depth. In fact, three of arguably Newcastle’s best players from this season were bargain summer buys last summer. Excellent right-back Daryl Janmaat for just over 4 million pounds, young Spaniard Ayoze Perez for 1.5 million pounds, and former Sunderland man Jack Colback for free. Therefore, the squad should identify inexpensive players, specifically proven Premier Leaguers, to enhance and improve the squad for next season. Here is a look at 11 players who could cheaply improve Newcastle.
Tommy Oar – FC Utrecht
After declaring that he wanted to leave at the end of the season, Oar was frozen out at Utrecht. Despite this, the 23-year-old appears to have a bright future, and certainly qualifies as a low risk, high reward signing. A member of the 2014 World Cup squad for the Socceroos, Oar dreams of a move to the Premier League, per Goal.com. Despite being only 5’7”, Oar is physically strong enough to play in the Premier League. He first showcased his ability in the physical A-League, being a creative force on the left wing – something he has demonstarted at both FC Utrecht and for his national team. With Oar’s contract expiring this summer, the winger could make a move to the Tyneside for free.
James Chester – Hull City
Chester, who can play at both centre-back and right-back, could prove to be an excellent addition. The former Manchester United man is still only 26, and could prove to be an excellent upgrade over the current crop of centre-backs at St. James Park. The Welsh international is valued at £4million by Hull. Although this may dissuade some teams from targeting Chester, his status as a homegrown player, versatility, and overall quality should persuade a club like Newcastle to acquire him. The Magpies may, however, face stiff competition from the likes of Aston Villa for his services.
Andrew Robertson – Hull City
After completing a move from Scottish side Dundee United last summer, Robertson became one of Hull City’s best players this season. The 21-year-old played beyond his age, making 21 appearances for Hull, including 17 starts. Robertson showed excellent ability going forward, completing 38 take ons in his inaugural campaign in England, while also being responsible in defense. Robertson registered over 50 successful tackles and 40 interceptions, while not committing many fouls – only 11 for the season. Although Robertson could prove to be more pricey than some of the other bargains listed here, especially with Aston Villa keen, the 21-year-old would be worth the extra money.
Steven Caulker – Queens Park Rangers
Caulker has suffered a second straight relegation succeeding a transfer move. His first came after a ‘record transfer’ to Cardiff, from Tottenham. His second after transferring from the Bluebirds to QPR. With both Cardiff and QPR, Caulker made over 30 appearances, being extremely solid for both sides. Given that Caulker is 23, homegrown, and more than likely capable of starting at centre-back in a Newcastle side that was forced to field Daryl Janmaat at centre-half last season. Newcastle should attempt to bring him in, but Cardiff looking to recoup what they paid for him, the Magpies will have to stump up roughly £8million.
Kieran Trippier – Burnley
Recently linked with a £3.5 million move to Tottenham Hotspur, Trippier was one of the few bright spots on a relegated Burnley team. Recently though, newly promoted Bournemouth have been linked with the Clarets man, as Spurs are rather loaded with players competing for time at the right-back slot, including Kyle Walker and World Cup star DeAndre Yedlin. If that is the case, Newcastle should go after the 24-year-old, and trigger his 3.5 million release clause. He would provide an excellent option behind Janmaat, giving the club the versatility and depth they need on the bench. With Ryan Taylor’s release, as well as the possibility of Janmaat being turned for a profit after a good season, Trippier could end up being an valuable asset.
Andre-Pierre Gignac – Marseille
Gignac has been targeted by Newcastle in the past, and checks many boxes for the club. He is a free agent, he is French and therefore should fit right in with the club’s French contingent, and he is a proven scorer, having notched 21 goals in 37 games this season. Although the Magpies will have to compete with a host of other teams for Gignac’s signature, including Liverpool, Montpellier and Monaco, the 29-year-old could be well worth the effort.
Micah Richards – Manchester City
Richards is out of contract this summer, and the free agent has been linked with both Liverpool and West Brom in the media. At only 26, Richards could still have several years as a good player ahead of him, but after being frozen out at Manchester City and then not being given the games promised to him at Fiorentina, Richards will seek guaranteed playing time ahead of everything else. Although this may not be available at Newcastle due to the presence of Daryl Janmaat, if Janmaat were to be sold, or a contract were negotiated with an automatic number of starts included, Richards could perhaps be tempted to the Tyneside.
Robbie Brady – Hull City
Robbie Brady checks all of the boxes as a savvy signing for Newcastle this summer. Firstly, Brady is young at only 23, meaning he could still develop beyond his current solid status. Secondly, the Irish International is versatile, being capable of playing as a left winger, but also as a left back, both spots the Magpies will require reinforcement at this summer. Thirdly, Brady would count as a homegrown player, as he is a former member of the Manchester United academy. Finally, Brady is inexpensive. Considering his squad has been relegated, and that his rough market value is 1.5 million pounds, Brady could certainly end up being a huge bargain.
Marcell Jansen – Hamburg
Out of contract in June, German international Jansen could be the perfect solution to the clubs issues at left-back. Beyond that, the former Bayern Munich and Borussia Monchengladbach man is versatile, being able to play all up the left side, much like Robbie Brady. If he were signed, at this point he would likely slot in as the first choice left -back. The 29-year-old still has time to be a solid choice for a club in a top league, and at the very least would be an excellent squad player for Newcastle.
Danny Ings – Burnley
Danny Ings was the star for Burnley this season. Although the reported £8million compensation fee could be a stumbling block, Ings has proven to be an electric attacking force in the Premier League, and would also add to Newcastle’s homegrown quota. The Magpies have reportedly offered Ings a spot but, with Liverpool, Tottenham and Real Sociedad keen on the English striker, this race could come down to the wire for the young man set to star at the U-21 European Championships this summer.
Charlie Austin – Queens Park Rangers
Austin would probably qualify as the most expensive player on this list, likely costing his eventual suitor somewhere in the region of £10million, but his performance last season shows that this fee would still be a cut-price. The former non-league man netted 18 goals in 33 games for arguably the worst team in the league in QPR. Austin possesses a strong, physical presence upfront, something Danny Ings cannot bring to the table. The 25-year-old has a lot left in the tank, and appears to be well worth the money that could be spent on him this summer, but Newcastle will have to fend off interest from Southampton and Aston Villa for the player.
