- Newcastle United are expected to undergo a sea change in the summer
- Key players set to leave St James’ Park
- Big questions over future of Eddie Howe
This season has been far below expectations for Newcastle United. They find themselves in 12th, with a glimmer of hope for European football next season. They were embarrassed in the Champions League by Barcelona and were knocked out of both domestic cups by Manchester City.
With the club’s project 2030 still clear in their mind, serious steps will have to be taken next season if they are to achieve their goals.
Eddie Howe’s suitability for the job has been questioned, as well as several players’ futures on Tyneside, while others have had rumours suggesting they may look for a way out.
A total restructure of the club is on the cards this summer, so here is a look at what could go down at St James’ Park.
Newcastle United struggling for Champions League qualification
The Magpies reached the Round of 16, the furthest they have gone in the Champions League.
When they were drawn to take on the Catalan giants, many ultimately accepted they would be eliminated, but wanted the players to put up a good fight.
They were able to do that at home. However, the trip to the Camp Nou was a different story as they were humiliated, losing 7-2.
They have shared a similar story in the league, where hard-fought performances have got them results, such as their win over Manchester United, but too many shallow displays like the recent Tyne-Wear derby have been damaging.
To climb up the table, they need money for transfers; to get money for deals, they need Europe. Right now, they are struggling, and their number one targets could slip through their fingers.
Fears of the transfer window
The window may be a surprise for the Black and Whites, but it’s unclear whether that will be good or bad.
Last summer’s transfers are still showing serious signs of inconsistency and have failed to live up to their price tags. Outside of Malick Thiaw, supporters question where the other signings will fit in if holes are plugged.
Will Nick Woltemade return to striker, or will he remain in midfield with links of Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes being on their way out? If either of them are to leave, they will require suitable replacements who can come in and make an immediate impact.
Another key area they will be looking to improve will be in the goalkeeper department, with Aaron Ramsdale returning to Southampton and Nick Pope out of favour.
Kieran Trippier will also leave in the summer, and his replacement, whether a new face or already in the squad, will have to bring the team together to push through times of adversity.
Is Eddie Howe the right man?
Since his arrival on Tyneside, he has taken the club from strength to strength as they have qualified for Europe’s elite competition twice and have won a first domestic trophy since the 1950s.
Unlike previous managers, though, the Englishman has had plenty of money to spend, and it’s not always gone to plan. Anthony Elanga, who arrived from Nottingham Forest last summer, continues to be picked despite subpar performances.
Opting to persist with Woltemade in the centre of the park has also boggled some minds, given how well the German started life on Tyneside when leading the line.
Howe’s selection and tactics have caused a split in the fanbase, his team approaching games with a defensive style, which has cost them dearly recently.
Replacements for Howe have been discussed, but then supporters wonder if they will be able to take the club to the next level. The club must decide whether to stick or twist.
The season of turmoil has completely thrown some of the plans the club had in store out the window. With a new training complex and new stadium in the pipeline, turning their attention to the product on the pitch is a must as they look to reach the next stage of their project.
In other news, Newcastle United loanee turns in ‘peachy’ 8/10 performance ahead of imminent transfer.
