Newcastle’s shortlist of transfer targets reportedly doesn’t include Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar, but there is a host of names the club’s mega-rich owners are looking to sign this summer. It’s been a coming-of-age season for Newcastle under Howe with the club on the verge of sealing Champions League football for next year.
When Newcastle’s new owners first came in, Amanda Staveley announced they had a five-year plan to get the Magpies challenging at the top of English football. This season indicates that they’re on track for that goal, but much will depend on how successful they are in the transfer market.
Having seemingly unlimited funds does not always equal success – as Chelsea have proven this year under Todd Boehly. The club will still need to make smart investments as they have done already in the likes of Alexander Isak, Bruno Guimaraes and Kieran Trippier among others.
This summer will be key in trying to keep the momentum going at St James’ Park. And the Telegraph claim Newcastle have built an expansive shortlist of names they’re looking at signing.
Top of the list is said to be Leicester’s James Maddison, but players such as Scott McTominay, Declan Rice, Conor Gallagher and Mason Mount have also been discussed. However, reports suggesting Newcastle will make an outlandish move to sign Neymar are supposedly way off the mark.
That may be in part due to Newcastle’s current financial model with the report pointing out Trippier is currently the club’s top earner on ‘around £120,000-a-week’. Howe will want to maintain a healthy wage structure at the club, although to compete with the elite clubs then Newcastle will have to start paying big wages.
There’s also ‘concern’ that clubs like Chelsea would demand huge fees if Newcastle make an approach due to the billions at their disposal. Newcastle may in turn look at the European market with Khephren Thuram, Marcus Thuram and Moussa Diaby all touted as potential targets.
Meetings are already being held by Newcastle’s board on the upcoming transfer window and the club are hoping to bring in up to five quality signings. Neymar may not be in the club’s wishlist for now, but Newcastle are certain to shake things up in the transfer market.
It puts even more pressure on the likes of Chelsea, Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester United to compete too or risk falling behind.
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