The 2022/23 season has already been a memorable one for Newcastle United and their supporters.
Eddie Howe’s side secured a first Wembley cup final since 1999 before falling to a 2-0 defeat against Manchester United in the Carabao Cup Final in February and the Magpies have also enjoyed a surprise push for a place in next season’s Champions League.
A revenge win against the Red Devils in Sunday’s St James Park clash would see Howe’s men leapfrog their visitors and move into third place in the table with the end of a dramatic campaign just under two months away. But there has already been a raft of speculation over who United could add to their squad in a bid to continue the unquestionable momentum they have gained over the cause of the current campaign.
With the summer transfer window now openly being discussed within the Magpies hierachy, NewcastleWorld looks at how United could look on the opening day of next season.
1. Newcastle United's English head coach Eddie Howe looks on prior to the English Premier League football match between Newcastle United and West Ham United at St James' Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, north east England on February 4, 2023. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
Is this the starting eleven Eddie Howe could field next season? Photo: OLI SCARFF
2. GK: Nick Pope
Unquestionably United’s number one, Pope may well have new competition next season with questions marks over a number of the Magpies current goalkeepers. Photo: Getty Images
3. RB: Kieran Trippier
Likely to be United’s club captain next season, Trippier is a true leader and an integral part of Howe’s plans going forwards. Photo: Shaun Botterill
4. CB: Stefan De Vrij
A possible free transfer addition, De Vrij would bring vast experience of Champions League football and would meet United’s need for another option as a right-sided centre-back. Photo: MIGUEL MEDINA