5 Championship players Newcastle should sign this summer
This season’s transfer window is among the most important in Newcastle United’s history. Despite being relegated the club remains odds on to come back up from the Championship at the first attempt, but a lot hinges on the business that gets done over the next few weeks.
Rafa Benitez has been very open in stating that we don’t need to sell any players in order to bring in new ones. Regardless, some of the first team squad will inevitably make way this summer - following his team selections as we slid towards relegation it’s fairly obvious who does and doesn’t feature in his plans.
Given the eight extra games that the team will take part in next season the need for boosting areas of the squad is fairly apparent. So who could we call on with experience of playing in the Championship? Here are five potential transfer candidates who could do a job.
Will Hughes, central midfielder, Derby County
The Derby central midfielder has recently come back from a cruciate ligament injury sustained on the first day of the season and, although only 21, had featured regularly for three full seasons before the 2015/16 campaign. He made his debut for England’s U21 team when only 17 and definitely has the potential to develop further - so his next move will be crucial. Hughes signing for Newcastle will very much be dependent on how many midfielders leave though, as it’s an area in which the club are pretty strong right now. He’s also been linked with moves to Premier League clubs already, and may fancy taking the direct route. Very technically gifted with a good eye for a pass, he could be an attractive proposition to add the creativity that has been lacking in the middle of the park.
Click ‘2’ below to view the next player that the Magpies could sign in the summer.
Grant Hanley, central defender, Blackburn Rovers
It’s pretty obvious that the club need to bring in a centre-half this summer, regardless of who leaves. With Taylor gone, Colo almost certain to finally follow, and Mbemba likely to disappear to the African Nations in January, that leaves Lascelles and possibly Dummett as our only options. At 24 Grant Hanley is still fairly young, but has made 200 appearances for Blackburn across the Premier League and Championship. An experienced international, and the club’s captain, one of the only stumbling blocks could be his wages: Hanley is reported to earn £28k per week, and Rafa’s men would have to be confident in his ability to shore up the backline and also be able to make the step up once promotion is secured.
Click ‘3’ below to view the next player that the Magpies could sign in the summer.
Joleon Lescott, central defender, Aston Villa
OK - bear with me on this one. Although he hasn’t exactly stood out in an Aston Villa side that were seemingly in freefall all season, he should be experienced enough to do a job in the Championship. With a year left on his contract he could be a relatively cheap acquisition, and Villa could be willing sellers following some of his misjudged comments once their relegation was confirmed. Not a long term buy though, and could be difficult to prise away from the club he supports - especially if he’s on high wages.
Click ‘4’ below to view the next player that the Magpies could sign in the summer.
Alan Judge, left midfield/wing, Brentford
Nicknamed “the Irish Messi”, Brentford’s 27-year-old left winger chalked up 14 goals and 11 assists during the last campaign. With Cabella, Thauvin, Gini, and Sissoko all seemingly on their way out of St James Park Judge could be just what we need to supply the crosses for Mitrovic. Fast, direct, and with a penchant for long range strikes, Judge could provide some well-needed width to the team’s play and mean that we’re not relying as much on Townsend’s moments of magic.
Click ‘5’ below to view the next player that the Magpies could sign in the summer.
Ross McCormack, striker, Fulham
No forward who comes into Newcastle this summer is going to be particularly popular if they get in way of Mitrovic, Perez, and Armstrong developing further, but if we are going to bring a proven Championship goalscorer in then Fulham’s Ross McCormack fits the bill. Second-top scorer in the league last season with 21 goals, at 29 he’s got a few years left yet and will also provide some much needed experience. Fulham will probably want quite a lot of the £11m they paid for him a few years ago back, which will prove a stumbling block, and it’s questionable whether he’s a long-term investment as he’s never had the chance to make the step up to the Premier League yet. Newcastle remain strongly linked with him though, and of all the players on this list he appears to have the highest chance of making the journey north.
