It didn't take long for Newcastle's ownership change to have a profound effect on Eddie Howe's Magpies.
Newcastle were destined for yet another relegation scrap in 2021/22 before Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund stepped in to alter the club's fortunes entirely. Backed by an endless stream of cash, the Magpies have brought wisely in the transfer market, while Howe's stellar work on the touchline facilitated a major improvement in 2022/23.
Newcastle United are back in the big time, folks. Their first Champions League venture in two decades dawns, and there's no chance the owners are going to leave the club short this summer. A busy summer beckons on Tyneside, and here's how the Magpies could line up in 2023/24.
How Newcastle could line up in 2023/24
GK: Nick Pope - You may not agree with the short sleeves (who does?) but Pope's addition last summer was a huge one. The towering shot-stopper finished second in the Golden Glove race, notching 14 Premier League clean sheets, and he helped Newcastle to the joint-best defensive record in the divison.
RB: Kieran Trippier - The first signing of the PIF era, Tripper took a huge risk when he switched the Spanish capital for Tyneside, but his decision has certainly been vindicated. The de facto Newcastle skipper has barely put a foot wrong since joining the club, and while Howe is keen to bring in Tino Livramento this summer, Trippier will remain the number one choice at right-back.
CB: Joachim Andersen - Fabian Schar has come on leaps and bounds over the past 18 months, but Newcastle will attempt to sign an upgrade on the Swiss defender this summer. The club have been linked with a pair of Crystal Palace defenders, Marc Guehi and Andersen, although Palace's valuation of the former renders Andersen the more realistic of the two.
CB: Sven Botman - There was that error agaisnt Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, but Botman was an otherwise remarkably reliable customer during his maiden Premier League season. The Dutchman oozes an air of serenity on the field, and always appears to be in control. Who they opt to partner Botman with next season could determine just how far Newcastle can go next season.
LB: Kieran Tierney - Hometown hero Dan Burn has been a borderline revelation since signing from Brighton, but the mammoth full-back is only expected to play a bit-part role next season. Newcastle have a long-standing interest in Arsenal's Tierney, with the Gunners seemingly happy to part ways with the Scottish international for the right fee.
DM: Bruno Guimaraes - Howe reportedly wants to sign a legitimate #6 to facilitate Bruno's advancement into an #8 role, but their pursuit of Sandro Tonali means it's unlikely they'll spend big to sign a holding midfielder. Thus, while an alternative could be brought in, it seems as if the Brazilian will start the campaign at the base of Newcastle's midfield.
CM: Sandro Tonali - Tonali has not been signed to play as a #6. He was at his best in a box-to-box role as part of Milan's double pivot. While many believe Newcastle are overpaying the odds to bring the Italian to Tyneside, there's no denying that his profile aligns with what Howe appreciates from his #8s.
CM: Joelinton - Talk about resurgences. Signed by Steve Bruce to solve the club's scoring woes, Joelinton, who once appeared an expensive flop, has morphed into one of the most powerful box-to-box midfielders in the Premier League. The Brazilian developed an excellent relationship with Joe Willock down Newcastle's left flank last season, and he'll be expected to pip the former Arsenal midfielder in the depth chart.
RW: Federico Chiesa - It's hard to envisage Newcastle heading into next season with Jacob Murphy and Miguel Almiron as their only two senior options down the right flank. They could go big here, and Chiesa has recently been linked with a stunning move to St. James'. While the Italian international hasn't quite returned to his destructive best after recovering from an ACL tear, this would be a major coup for the Magpies. Chiesa emerged as one of the most exciting wingers in Europe before his injury.
ST: Callum Wilson - Wilson's season went under the radar and he certainly deserves a shot of leading the line in 2023/24. The England international scored an impressive 18 Premier League goals last season, eight of which arrived in the final eight games of the campaign. His productive conclusion looks to have persuaded the club that the addition of a #9 isn't necessary this summer.
LW: Alexander Isak - The Swedish international has all the tools to succeed WIlson as the club's leading man, but Howe found success last season deploying Isak down the left flank. With Allan Saint-Maximin's future uncertain, Isak's set to make the left wing spot his own next season. The former Real Sociedad man is the Magpies' X-factor talent, and he's set bound to thrive under the bright continental lights in 2023/24.
This article was originally published on 90min as Newcastle transfers: How the Magpies could line up in 2023/24.