Newcastle recently secured their Premier League status for another season with an impressive 3-1 win over Southampton at St James’ Park, but what needs to change in order for the Toon Army to be competitive next season? Nobody wants another stressful battle towards the bottom of the table again.
Image credit: https://www.geograph.org.uk/profile/39484
As the title’s still to be decided, no bookies have priced up how Newcastle might do next season yet, but it’s probably worth waiting for them to sort out the manager’s position and potential transfer budget before placing any bets. A free betting bonus is quite handy to use ahead of any new season, so make sure you keep an eye out for the new welcome bonuses at numerous online betting sites once the 2019/20 odds appear. Why spend your own money when you can use a free bet? You’re welcome.
Before we think too much about next season, let’s take a look at what needs to happen ahead of the summer’s transfer merry-go-round…
Rafael Benitez Must Stay
Let’s ignore anything to do with the board at the moment. First and foremost, Rafael Benitez needs to stay at this football club. He has worked miracles since he’s been at the club, but even he’s admitted that he’s done the best he can with the resources available. He needs backing financially in the transfer window.
Captain Jamaal Lascelles has stated that he and the players are desperate for Rafa to continue their journey together. “As players we want him here, but we are not in control of whatever is going on. But hopefully, he gets tied down. It does worry us that he could leave. There aren’t many managers like him, and Newcastle United should do everything they can to keep him.
“He is special. Even at the start of the season, when everyone is panicking, and we’ve got all those big teams to play, and we find ourselves down in the bottom three, he stays so calm.
“He knows his players; he trusts his own ability to get the best out of his players, and that’s such an important thing for a manager to have.”
May fans have pinpointed June 30th as the day their club will go one way or another. Rafa could choose to stay on, and they can become a Premier League force once more, or he’ll leave and sadly let Newcastle sort out their own problems. There’s no in between.
Mike Ashley Needs to Invest
We know you love your retail stores, but for the love of God please invest in the football club this summer. £100m plus is needed each season to stay competitive in this league, but the worry for many fans is that the manager won’t even see half that amount.
Mike Ashley won’t read this, but it doesn’t take Einstein to realise the Toon need to sign five or six new players to avoid a relegation fight next season. Let’s just hope it’s not five or six cheap bargains. Although we’re all for a bargain if he’s a bright young talent, but Newcastle need players like Miguel Almiron to take them to the next step. Some have even mentioned that up to ten players might be needed, which leads us nicely on…
Summer Signings and Departures
We’ll start with the number one position. That should be Martin Dubravka’s spot next season. He’s been linked with a move in the summer to a bigger club, but the fans expect him to stay. Newcastle many need to sign one or two as cover, as Karl Darlow and Rob Elliot could leave.
Antonio Barreca’s loan move didn’t really work out, did it? Although there’s a chance to sign him permanently, it’s not going to happen. There’s no denying that Matt Ritchie has done a good job in the left full-back position this season, but we all know that’s not his favoured position. One or two full-backs are probably needed.
On to the midfield. Newcastle needs a couple at least. Sean Longstaff was having the season of his life before he got injured. He’ll come back in as the first choice defensive midfielder next season.
Will Jonjo leave? It looks that way. He’s pocketing a hefty wage and Rafa may well decide to cash in on him to use the funds elsewhere. Don’t even mention Kenedy. He’s been a disaster this season after showing so much promise at the end of last season.
Newcastle also need to decide whether to sign Salomon Rondon permanently or not. He’s a decent striker, but the price needs to be right for all concerned that’s for sure. It’s a wait and see on that one. Benitez, regardless of the Rondon situation, will probably look to bring in a couple more strikers. There may even be a few clubs looking at Ayoze Perez. He’ll no doubt command a decent fee if he does move on.
If the transfer funds aren’t there initially, Rafa Benitez could use the funds from sales to bring in who he wants. Will that be enough to convince him to stay? Probably not. It’s going to be an anxious wait for everyone involved at Newcastle. Rafa needs to stay. Ashley needs to invest. Newcastle need to be a top half club next season. Let’s hope these all happen.
