Last season represented something of a fairytale for Newcastle United’s supporters. At the outset, most would have been happy with a top-10 finish, maybe a challenge for Conference or Europa League qualification, and marked improvement in performances.
What they got instead was a domestic cup final, and a fourth-place finish in the Premier League, earning a spot in this season’s Champions League. It’ll be the first time in some 20 years that Newcastle have participated in Europe’s premier club competition, and you’d forgive their supporters for pinching themselves.
Newcastle United’s Success
Of course, it’s no secret that much of Newcastle’s success is owed to the significant financial might of the Saudi Public Investment Fund, which backed the takeover of the club a couple of years ago. Unsurprisingly, Eddie Howe’s side has been active in the transfer market already this summer, bringing in a few fresh faces.
Let’s take a look at three high-profile signings Newcastle have made so far this summer to try and improve their status in the Premier League odds 23/24.
Sandro Tonali
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Newcastle’s biggest outlay so far this summer has been the acquisition of Sandro Tonali from AC Milan. Following the Italian side’s run to the semi-finals of the Champions League last summer, Tonali has been a player who has attracted major interest from clubs across Europe, but it was Newcastle who splashed the cash to bring him to St. James’ Park for around £55 million.
Tonali is an all-action midfielder who will bring a firmer semblance of control to the middle of the park. At 23 years of age, the Italian has a bright future ahead of him, and under the tutelage of Howe has the potential to become one of Europe’s best midfield enforcers.
There have been rumours circulating that Tonali didn’t actually want to leave Milan, but that the club needed the money, and some have suggested that he is not entirely happy moving to the northeast of England. Time will tell whether this has any impact on his performance.
Harvey Barnes
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Following Leicester City’s relegation to the Championship, there was much speculation surrounding the future of Harvey Barnes. Far too good a player to be in England’s second tier, there were a whole host of clubs interested in his signature, and Newcastle eventually picked him up for a cool £39 million.
Barnes is an exciting, pacy winger who never shows any fear in taking on opposing full-backs. He was a standout performer for Leicester last season despite their struggles, and with plenty of Premier League experience, he’s a readymade star addition to Newcastle’s ranks.
Tino Livramento
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Newcastle’s most recent signing is that of Southampton right-back Tino Livramento, who joins on a deal reportedly worth £40 million. The 20-year-old burst onto the scene for Southampton a couple of years ago before an ACL injury cruelly ruled him out of action for some time.
Now fully recovered, Howe and Co will oversee the next stage of his development. Following Southampton’s relegation from the Premier League last season.
Livramento will provide strong backup to Kieran Trippier, and will surely be viewed as the 32-year-old’s eventual successor. It’s a shrewd signing that will stand Newcastle in good stead for the future.
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