Adrian Clarke looks at what Newcastle United need to do in the summer transfer window to improve their squad.
Newcastle United
Eddie Howe’s Magpies will look to beef up a squad that was ravaged by injuries in 2023/24.
They do not have the added workload that European football brings this time around, but even so, Newcastle must strengthen their starting XI in a defensive capacity.
They conceded only 33 goals in 2022/23 but that almost doubled to 62 last season, which is a worrying sign.
In open-play alone they faced 401 shots and conceded 45 goals. Those were bottom-half figures for a team who ended up finishing in seventh spot.
| Open-play shots faced | PL rank | Open-play goals conceded | PL rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 401 | 13th | 45 | 12th |
More depth is certainly required at centre-back, so you can expect Howe to target a top-class player in that position this summer. Reports had linked Tosin Adarabioyo with Newcastle, but the Fulham defender opted to join Chelsea.
Dan Burn may be considered an option to play in the middle, which would then free up a space at left-back for a new arrival.
Lewis Hall showed flashes of promise towards the end of the season, but with the arrival of versatile AFC Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly, Howe now has another option to use at his disposal.
The Magpies could also consider a change in goal. Martin Dubravka deputised well for Nick Pope during the second half of the season, but there is a sense that neither is considered their long-term No 1.
Other business will depend on Newcastle’s ability to hang on to star men Bruno Guimaraes and Alexander Isak, who are may be targeted by a number of big clubs this summer. If one of them is sold, they will need to be properly replaced.
Key positions to target: Goalkeeper, left-back, centre-back
Ins and outs so far
| Player | Transfer Type | Club | Full Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paul Dummett |  Released |
- | Details |
| Matt Ritchie | Released |
- | Details |
| Loris Karius | Released |
- | Details |
| Jeff Hendrick | Released |
- | Details |
| Lloyd Kelly |  Transfer In |
Bournemouth | Details |
| Jude Smith | Transfer Out |
Carlisle United | Details |
| Kell Watts | Transfer Out |
Cambridge United | Details |
(Last updated: 7 June)