Despite last Sunday’s Carabao Cup Final defeat against Manchester United, there is still plenty to for between now and the end of the season for Eddie Howe and his Newcastle United squad.
The Magpies have enjoyed remarkable progress under the guidance of the former Bournemouth manager as the thoughts of relegation into the Championship that enveloped St James Park just over a year ago have been replaced with an unexpected push for a Champions League place and a first major cup final appearance in almost quarter of a century.
No matter what happens between now and the end of the campaign, it has been another season of improvement and the foundations are slowly being put in place to make the Magpies a more consistent challenger for major honours over the coming years.
But what comes next in the transfer market? NewcastleWorld fires up Football Manager 2023 to see how the world’s most popular managerial simulation predicts the summer will play out at St James Park.
1. GK: Diogo Costa
Well this is a surprise! Nick Pope has been demoted to number two as Eddie Howe hands over £65m to sign Porto and Portugal keeper Diogo Costa. Photo: Getty Images
2. RB: Kieran Trippier
This is less of a shock! Kieran Trippier retains his place at right-back and is now captain following the summer departure of Jamaal Lascelles. Photo: Eddie Keogh
3. LB: Rico Henry
A new left-back for United as they secure Brentford’s Rico Henry in a £22m deal. Photo: Ryan Pierse
4. CB: Sven Botman
An ever present in his first season, Botman has retained his place in Howe’s side and remains a key player for the Magpies boss. Photo: George Wood