It felt like Newcastle United took a step back last season. They finished 12th in the Premier League, underwhelming after how well the Magpies have done in recent times.
There were many fans who were even open to the prospect of seeing Eddie Howe depart. But the club have not taken that step. They have put their trust in the English manager instead.
On the other hand, the focus should be on improving the squad and then giving the chance to Howe to prove himself, something that he has already done plenty of times since arriving as the manager of Newcastle United.
There is some positive news for the Magpies as well. The club have now officially announced the expansion of their partnership with Knox Hydrate, locking them in as the club’s Front-of-Shirt Partner in a three-year deal.
Newcastle United announce three-year deal
Obviously, commercial partnerships have become increasingly important in modern football. With transfer market valuations for players sky-rocketing, especially in the Premier League, the Magpies need to bring in every pound that they can from these deals in order to stay competitive with the rest of their opponents.
Off the pitch, they have a lot of work to do this summer. Anthony Gordon has already left for Barcelona and will need replacing in this window.
He might not end up being the only high-profile exit of this window either. Sandro Tonali is seemingly drawing a ton of interest as well.
Tottenham Hotspur have already made a failed £80 million bid to try and sign him. Arsenal and Manchester City are keeping an eye out on the situation.
Will Newcastle be able to strengthen this summer?
That is certainly going to be tough to pull off for the Magpies. Especially if they end up losing Tonali in the middle of the park on top of Gordon up front.
Those were two of Newcastle United’s most important players last season. So, not only would the Magpies need to bring in reinforcements in other positions but they would also need to replace players of that quality.
That is not an easy task, no matter which way you look at it. Last summer, we saw them try to replace Alexander Isak, who departed for Liverpool.
Nick Woltemade was brought in but did not meet even the minimum expectations. So much so that he is already being linked with a move away from St James’ Park.
