Summer signing number one is through the door, now Newcastle United want more.
The £55million arrival of Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest last week ended the Magpies’ two-year wait for a major signing. During that time, the club has had its troubles with Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) but is now understood to be a healthy financial position.
So, what’s next? Well, Newcastle’s frustration in the transfer window isn’t through a lack of trying. They wanted Liam Delap and Joao Pedro, but both joined Chelsea. Earlier this week, a club-record bid was submitted for Hugo Ekitike only for Liverpool, after being told Alexander Isak wasn’t for sale, to swoop in.
Following the departure of Callum Wilson, signing a striker is a priority for Howe. But equally, so is a centre-back and midfielder, now Sean Longstaff has departed, while talks are ongoing with Burnley for goalkeeper James Trafford.
With around six weeks of the summer transfer window remaining, it’s fair to say Newcastle still have plenty of work to do in order to bolster Eddie Howe’s squad for its Premier League and Champions League campaign.
In a game dominated by statistics and data, for a bit of fun, we delved into the AI world to ask how Newcastle might line-up next season. Grok, the AI assistant powered by X, gave its predicted line-up for the 2025-26 campaign.
1. GK: Nick Pope
ChatGPT: " Likely to continue as first-choice keeper since he reclaimed the spot in 2024–25. Newcastle missed out on signing James Trafford, who instead rejoined Manchester City." | Getty Images
2. RB: Tino Livramento
ChatGPT: "Established as full-time starter, versatile and reliable." | Getty Images
3. CB: Marc Guehi
ChatGPT: "Strong AI projections suggest Newcastle finally sign the England international from Crystal Palace." | Getty Images
4. CB: Sven Botman
ChatGPT: "Back from injury and still a defensive lynchpin when fit." | Getty Images