Newcastle United’s strongest starting XI after transfer deadline as two January signings miss out

Newcastle United’s summer transfer business is officially done and dusted following the arrival of former Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius.

The 29-year-old became the Magpies’ fifth and final summer signing after an ankle injury to Karl Darlow forced Eddie Howe into the free agent market.

He follows Matt Targett, Nick Pope, Sven Botman and Alexander Isak through the door at St James’ Park for a total spending spree of £120million.

Now Howe’s first-team squad is set in stone until January at least, NewcastleWorld asks, what is the strongest starting XI the Newcastle head coach can name?

Excluding Jonjo Shelvey, Karl Darlow and Emil Krafth, who are all sidelined for the foreseeable future, our writer Jordan Cronin provides his best Newcastle United starting XI:

GK: Nick Pope

Pope has quickly established himself as the club’s No.1 goalkeeper and his current form will surely put Jordan Pickford’s England jersey under threat.

RB: Kieran Trippier

From his performances on the pitch to his leadership behind the scenes- everything about Trippier is top class.

CB: Fabian Schar

The Swiss international’s style is a rare breed. Not only is he an excellent defender and comfortable in possession, but he can also half strike a ball too.

CB: Sven Botman

A straight shootout between Botman and Dan Burn, with the latter fully deserving of a starting position. However, you don’t sign a £35m defender and not play him.

LB: Matt Targett

Comfortably Newcastle’s first choice left-back, although Jamal Lewis might have something to say about that as he pushed for full fitness.

CM: Bruno Guimaraes

Newcastle’s midfield just doesn’t feel or look the same without him, as that proved in the games he has missed this season.

CM: Joelinton

Always covers every blade of grass for Newcastle, all whilst being a physical presence and bringing aggression to United’s midfield.

CM: Joe Willock

Admittedly, Willock does tend to drift in and out of games but his surging runs can often spark Newcastle on the attack.

RW: Allan Saint-Maximin

The Frenchman is back to his influential best. And while he may frustrate supporters at times, he’s always capable on that special moment - just take his Wolves equaliser for example.

ST: Callum Wilson

Just because Alexander Isak has arrived doesn’t mean Wilson should be discarded. The No.9 is a quality and consistent Premier League goalscorer - when fit.

LW: Alexander Isak

Rather than pick between Wilson or Isak for the striking spot - why not play them both? The Sweden international has played in wide areas at his previous clubs.