Upon returning to the Premier League from the second tier, Newcastle United managed to seal a top-half table finish, ending the season in 10th place.
It was a brilliant result for the Magpies, considering how Rafael Benitez wasn’t backed in the transfer market and had to work with fairly limited resources and a tight squad.
The expectations will only rise from here and the club will need to strengthen their ranks if they are to better their result and climb up the rungs towards European football.
With that being said, here’s how the Tynesiders could line up next season if they manage to complete 3 key deals in the summer.
Probable Newcastle United XI
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Manager: Rafael Benitez
Martin Dubravka (GK)
The Slovakian international came in on loan in January and made a serious impact, conceding just 11 goals in 12 league appearances, including some top-class displays in wins over Manchester United and Chelsea. Newcastle reportedly want to land the Sparta Prague stopper on a permanent deal and should they manage to get it over the line, he will be the undisputed No.1 at St. James’ Park.
DeAndre Yedlin (RB)
The USMNT international has grown into a vital player under Benitez over the past couple of years and it is hard to see him lose the right-back slot to Javi Manquillo next season.
Jamaal Lascelles (CB)
The captain played a huge role in helping Newcastle return to the Premier League and was equally important in assuring they retained their top-flight status. An influential and vocal presence on the field, he is indispensable to this team.
Florian Lejeune (CB)
The Frenchman, having come in last summer, has displaced Ciaran Clark as Lascelles’ partner and has struck up a solid understanding with his captain in the heart of the defence. Expect him to continue alongside the Englishman.
Paul Dummett (LB)
The Welshman may not be the flashiest of full-backs but is effective and gets the job done for Newcastle. Definitely the first choice at left-back.
Jonjo Shelvey (CM)
Despite his disciplinary issues, Jonjo Shelvey continues to thrive in the Newcastle midfield and his display against Chelsea in the final league game of the season was a testament to his talent. If he consistently plays at that level, he has the ability to lead Newcastle to further heights.
Mohamed Diame (CM)
The 30-year-old Senegalese midfielder has grown into prominence at St. James’ Park on the back of some superlative displays in the middle of the park alongside Shelvey. His performances have relegated the likes of Mikel Merino and Isaac Hayden to the bench. Expect it to stay the same.
Matt Ritchie (RW)
The Scottish winger is one of Newcastle’s most important players as he is capable of providing those moments of magic that can alter the outcome of any game. A key cog in the team, his slot on the right-wing is under no threat.
Ayoze Perez (CAM)
The Spaniard was one of the major driving forces in the Magpies’ late resurgence in the league this season, finishing with 10 goals and 5 assists in all competitions. He will once again be key for the team next season.
Kenedy (LW)
The arrival of Brazilian on loan from Chelsea was one of the main instigating factors for Newcastle in the second half of the campaign. Kenedy added more purpose and a sense of urgency to their forward play with his pace and trickery. The club remain intent on signing him permanently and if done, it will have a great impact on their fortunes.
Tammy Abraham (ST)
Another Chelsea starlet who has been linked with a move to St. James’ Park of late, Tammy Abraham could prove to be the missing cog in Benitez’s side. The Englishman did not have the best of seasons away on loan at Swansea City, with injuries hampering his progress. However, given his natural goalscoring instincts and his hard-working style, he could be a great fit into Benitez’s scheme of things.