Newcastle United got promoted to the Premier League for this season with ease. The team managed by Rafa Benítez ended in the first position of the Championship with 94 points and some impressive statistics. A new relegation by Newcastle this season is weighted in some betting houses like Bet10 at 4.75 (you may use a Bet10 referrer code), which means that although is not one of the main possibilities, the team has a lot of risks and will have to improve if they want to maintain their place in the Premier League. Let’s see how the Magpies are facing this new challenge.
The transfer window for the new season looks promising so far, with some interesting names being added to the squad. Jacob Murphy (22, midfielder) was one of the revelations for Norwich the past season. With 8 goals and 8 assists in 38 matches, the winger might be a valuable addition to the offensive line. The French center back Florian Lejeune (26) was one of the pillars for the surprisingly good season that SD Eibar had in LaLiga. He will now join Newcastle and will have to fight for his place, but he will be a good alternative and will give some competence in that position. Another signing in the defense was the incorporation of Javier Manquillo (23). The Spanish right back played the last season for Sunderland on loan from Atlético de Madrid, getting to play some matches but failed to establish himself as the main choice in that position. Manquillo is an interesting project, with good defensive and physical skills, but failed to gain his position in the teams that he was part of. This might be the chance he needed to prove his value.
Rafa Benítez could also profit from the loaned players which returned to Newcastle. Tim Krul (29, goalkeeper), Siem de Jong (28, offensive midfielder) and Emmanuel Riviere (27, forward) are all interesting players that might have a chance if they stay in the squad, but still is too early to see. With the market still open, there are some rumors going around, as the team still needs some more quality players if they want to start the season in a good shape. The irish defensive midfielder from Everton, James McCarthy (26), is in talks, but his price might be out of range. Different is the situation for the Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino (21), who displayed some interesting matches for Osasuna but failed to settle in Borussia Dortmund. The deal seems close to completion and might be an interesting player for Benítez.
Finally, what is important is to keep what has been working so far. Trying to not dismantle a promoted squad is difficult, as other teams want the players who overperformed. But so far this seems possible, with only Yoan Gouffran (31, winger) leaving from the main players. If this tendency remains, with some more interesting signings, Newcastle might be in a good position to keep themselves safe from relegation this season.
