Newcastle United’s 2023/24 starting XI - if transfer speculation is true

It is just under a week since the 2022/23 Premier League season came to a close - but Newcastle United supporters are already relishing what lies in wait when the new campaign gets underway in August.

Eddie Howe’s side made a mockery of pre-season predictions as the Magpies secured a fourth placed finish and that was enough to ensure they will return to the Champions League for the first time in two decades. Preparations for what could be an intriguing summer transfer window are already underway as the United hierachy look to bolster Howe’s squad in a bid to help the former Bournemouth manager contend with what will be a hectic fixture schedule.

With links with potential signings from the Premier League and abroad now a daily event, NewcastleWorld has taken a look at how the Magpies side could look when the next season kicks off.

GK: Nick Pope

The England goalkeeper has made a big impression since he joined United last summer and has firmly established himself as the Magpies number one stopper. There could be a shake-up in Eddie Howe’s goalkeeping options but it seems highly unlikely Pope will be replaced as first choice.

RB: Kieran Trippier

Has there been a better right-back in United’s recent history? Trippier has become a rock for Eddie Howe and it seems highly likely he will be made club captain if Jamaal Lascelles is allowed to depart St James Park during the summer transfer window.

CB: Evan Ndicka

The Eintracht Frankfurt centre-back could be one of the most in-demand free agents during the summer transfer window as his current deal with the Bundesliga club comes to a close. Still only 23, he could be a shrewd addition for Eddie Howe and would provide competition for Fabian Schar and Sven Botman.

CB: Sven Botman

After a highly successful first season on Tyneside, Botman can go into his second year at St James Park knowing he has settled into life in the Premier League with ease. He will continue to be an integral figure for Eddie Howe as the Magpies prepare for their first season competing in the Champions League for two decades.

LB: Kieran Tierney

Another player continually linked with a move to St James Park, Scotland international Tierney is said to be United’s first-choice as they look to strengthen their options at left-back. The former Celtic defender has found himself struggling for game-time after Oleksandr Zinchenko established himself in the Gunners side and could be open to a move away from the Emirates Stadium.

CM: Bruno Guimaraes

‘We’ve (still) got Bruno in the middle’ of our side because the Brazil star is quite simply one of United’s key men and will hopefully be so for years to come. You get the feeling the former Lyon star will relish life in the Champions League and will take great pride in wearing the famous black and white shirt as he takes on European football’s elite.

CM: Khephren Thuram

This would be a highly ambitious move with a number of European football’s biggest clubs reportedly showing an interest in Thuram - but United are one of those potential suitors and have scouted the Nice midfielder on several occasions over the last year.

CM: James Maddison

Another reported long-term target for United, Maddison was said to be the subject of three unsuccessful offers from the Magpies last summer. The interest remains and a move to Tyneside could be in the offing following Leicester City’s relegation from the Premier League.

RW: Miguel Almiron

Almiron may well have new competition for a place in the United side next season - but he has done more than enough to force his way to the front of Eddie Howe’s thinking after playing a key role in helping his side qualify for the Champions League.

LW: Joelinton

There are several options for the left-hand side of the Magpies front three, with Eddie Howe able to call upon the services of Allan Saint-Maximin, Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak. Joelinton’s versatility could come into play and he could dovetail with James Maddison in the same way he has with Joe Willock so effectively this season if the Leicester City man joins him at St James Park.

ST: Alexander Isak

Isak or Wilson? A new option at the top end of the pitch? Both current Magpies have laid major claims to start next season and they could be used in the same manner they have been during the current season. No matter who starts, United will have an exciting option leading the line if the events of the last year are anything to go by.