Newcastle United hope to preserve hold of their prize assets while strengthening the squad
Newcastle United can maintain its key players, like Bruno Guimaraes and Alexander Isak, this summer while taking advantage of other Premier League clubs that may be eager to trade.
That’s the hope of our Newcastle United editor, Aaron Stokes, who revealed his thoughts and predictions for the summer transfer window on this week’s Monday Show via The Everything is Black and White Podcast.
Here is a transcript of the main points discussed during the transfer talk.
Is there a risk Newcastle United will have to cash in on some of their top players?
United may sell one of its players to clear up cash for new additions as they navigate financial fair play, profit and sustainability requirements.
“Ideally, Newcastle should be able to retain top-tier players such as Bruno, Isak, Botman, and Gordon.” They would not be negotiable for me.
But surely there is a risk Bruno Guimaraes could be sold?
Bruno’s future is possibly the most concerning. His development to one of the best midfielders in Europe has outpaced Newcastle United’s progress. While he clearly loves the supporters, city, and club, there is the minor matter of his much-publicized transfer clause.
“Obviously, Newcastle sort of tied a little bit with release clauses,” Stokes said, adding, “you wouldn’t be totally surprised if somebody did come in and try and sweep Bruno, for the fee that’s obviously in his contract.”
The hope is that, despite reports of interest from Spanish heavyweights Real Madrid and Barcelona, as well as ongoing praise from Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, United’s leadership can persuade Bruno to stay in Newcastle. The ratification of Joelinton’s new four-year contract at United will surely help.
But where do United raise the funds from if they’re keeping the likes of Bruno and Isak?
This is the million-pound question. Newcastle don’t have many sellable assets, as evidenced by the fact that only Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron found buyers in January. Saint-Maximin traveled to Saudi Arabia, but Almiron declined, but there is a chance the opportunity will occur again in the summer.
When asked about player sales, Stokes replied, “I suppose you then drop down and look at players [to sell] who are still playing now, but would you be too against it if they went?
“That brings you on to players like Miggy Almiron – and I ask the question of whether too many people say no to £20 million to £30 million for him.”
If Newcastle United managed to raise funds, where would you like to them going?
Newcastle United will have to be creative with their cash this summer, and they will once again have to cope with teams imposing the so-called ‘Saudi-tax’ on player asking prices. United’s scouting team will have a list, and while some are holding out for big names, Stokes believes there is quality that might be signed from lower-league clubs such as Matheus Cunha and Pedro Neto of Wolves.
When asked about Cunha, he stated, “Yeah, he was absolutely brilliant in La Liga, and I think it’s no surprise that Wolves have obviously spent a lot of money on him.” He has now come into his own in the Premier League and is a very excellent player, but he would cost you a lot of money.
“Another couple of Wolves players that would cost you a lot of money, but I’d take them equally, is Pedro Neto, who will have plenty of admirers. Hwang is also an extremely talented and diverse player. If Wolves find themselves in FFP difficulty, I believe Newcastle may close a few deals. They’re terrific players who have performed admirably under Gary O’Neill this season despite difficult circumstances.
But what do Newcastle United actually need to do in this summer’s transfer window?
Given how many players have been absent for extended periods of time this season, it’s difficult to say for certain. You can’t help but wonder where United would be if Eddie Howe had an entire squad to choose from. Stokes feels that the return of Joelinton, Sandro Tonali, and others to the first team squad for next season will allow United to avoid adding too many players.
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