England’s run to the final of Euro 2020 aside, it’s been a pretty grim summer for us Newcastle United fans.
Not one signing to get excited about, a decision on the Saudi-backed takeover delayed yet again and Mike Ashley reluctant to spend as his interest in NUFC reaches an all time low.
However, one thing the latest takeover setback should do is remind Ashley it’s now up to him to make sure we go into the 2021/22 well equipped to survive.
What he does next is anyone’s guess, but with us a club in utter disarray just weeks before the new season begins, I’m hopeful a few arrivals will be forthcoming – and boy do we need them!
Here’s four signings that could give us a much needed bit of hope – even if all of the following would arrive via loans, free or cut-price fees:
Joe Willock
It seems like a second loan deal is far more likely than us stumping up £20m plus, but having him back at St James’ Park this season feels absolutely vital in so many ways.
Not only would it give us that energy, drive and goal threat we’ve so often lacked from the middle of the park, it would keep Saint-Maximin happy and give fans a reason to feel excited ahead of 2021/22.
Jens Cajuste
The 21-year-old Swede is not a household name, but he’s a highly-rated midfielder who has been tipped for the top after bursting onto the scene in last year’s Champions League group stages.
He could offer the presence our engine room has so often lacked, he glides with the ball for a player of his height (6ft 2′) and was second to only Lionel Messi for dribbles completed per game in the UCL last season.
Ross Barkley
Steve Bruce tried and failed to sign him on loan last summer, however he looks set to be available once again after Aston Villa opted against a permanent deal for the former England international.
He’s been in fine form over pre-season at Chelsea but needs a new home – and Callum Wilson has said just how much he’d like to play with him following their time together with the Three Lions.
Ademola Lookman
Almost arrived on Tyneside last January and has since enjoyed an impressive loan spell at Fulham before returning to RB Leipzig. The Chronicle have also revealed that he’s been offered our way for just £10m, making this a realistic signing that could work within Bruce’s limited budget.
We rely too much on Saint-Maximin’s pace, trickery and match-winning ability, so could really benefit from bringing the former England U21 star to St James’ Park – giving us more than one electric winger for opposition defences to worry about!
Here’s 5 signings..
Willock
Cajuste
Barkley
Lookman
Am I missing something?
As for the “more takeover heartbreak”, if you listened to those who have spent time in the Middle East, you would accept that the takeover (and your heartbreak) ended a year ago when the Saudi’s walked away. Saudis don’t come back.
It’s like finding out the truth about Father Christmas, but still sitting at the top of the stairs, every year, watching the fireplace.
BykerBill(Quote)