With the summer window now open, Eddie Howe and the recruitment team will be looking to strengthen the squad in a bid to compete across multiple competitions next season.
A host of European targets have been linked, but there’s a feeling Howe prefers Premier League proven, domestic options who know the league and may take less time to settle; both on and off the pitch.
In this piece, I’ll look at three players that could completely transform our team, adding quality to three key areas of the pitch.
Kieran Tierney
Starting at the back, the first player is Kieran Tierney of Arsenal; who has already been heavily linked with a move. A player not long ago touted for the armband at The Emirates, Tierney has demonstrated leadership abilities combined with quality at both ends of the pitch. Howe tried to sign the 25-year-old during his time at Bournemouth, so he’s clearly a long-term admirer of the Scottish International.
With Dan Burn operating as our unorthodox left back, Tierney could offer a totally different dimension down that side, giving us an option on the overlap and improving us in possession, while also possessing the recovery pace and one-on-one ability to stop opposition wingers. His injury record has been a concern, but it’s worth noting that he was fit and available for all 38 of Arsenal’s Premier League games next season. He needs a new challenge, so Eddie Howe’s Mags and a move closer to his homeland could be the perfect next step.
James Maddison
The cultured playmaker would offer another totally different dynamic to our play, enabling us to unlock the door against sides who’ll come to St James’ Park and sit deep next season; something we struggled with at times during the 2022/23 campaign.
Maddison is wonderful to watch. His technique is pure and there is no doubt he is one of the best creative midfielders in the Premier League. With 10 goals and nine assists in 30 appearances last season, he shone in a pretty awful Leicester side. He would excite the St. James Park faithful and offer us that sprinkle of match-winning quality in the final third.
With Champions League football secured – something rival bidders Spurs can no longer offer – I think the 26-year-old would love to be part of this exciting new project on Tyneside.
Declan Rice
This feels unlikely and a ‘dream’ target, but never say never. Whilst we are not yet a massive European superpower, there’s few project more exciting than the current one on offer under our ambitious new owners. We’re just getting started.
The West Ham midfielder would be an unbelievable signing and a huge statement of intent. Although competition for England’s number four will be fierce, our top-four finish and the return of Champions League football may give us an outside chance.
For me, Rice is a truly special player and a brilliant character too; something Howe clearly values highly. The 24-year-old covers every blade of grass, is a clean ball-winner, big presence on the pitch, deceptively quick and capable in the final third too. He’s the full package and would only get better under Howe’s guidance. I would absolutely love to see him in Black and White, although the bookies back him to end up at Arsenal according to https://www.mightytips.com/bookmakers/betting-apps-in-the-uk/.
