Newcastle United’s predicted starting XI for next season - which features three new signings

The 2021/22 season was a campaign like no other for Newcastle United following the PIF-led takeover.

Having begun the term with Mike Ashley as owner and Steve Bruce as head coach, a third relegation in just 13 seasons looked a certainty.

But a 2-1 defeat at Wolves in October proved to be the last game under Ashley. Indeed, hope and ambition was soon restored on Tyneside.

Eddie Howe replaced Bruce as boss, and while his impact wasn’t immediately felt, by the turn of the year, Newcastle were flying.

The arrivals of Kieran Trippier, Chris Wood, Bruno Guimaraes, Dan Burn and Matt Targett (loan) helped sparked an incredible upturn in form as United surged out of the relegation zone and seal an 11th placed finish.

Not many had predicted such finish, with Howe’s side collecting 38 points in 2022 so far - form bettered only by Manchester City, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.

Ahead of the 22/23 season, relegation battles hope to be a thing of the past as United’s ambitious owner look to build a club capable of challenging Europe’s elite.

The summer transfer business Newcastle finalise over the next 12 weeks is the next step of the club’s exciting project.

And already, several players have been linked. Some will join, and of course, many won’t.

Here, we take a look at how Newcastle United could line-up on the opening day of the 22/23 campaign.