The ferocious starting XI Newcastle United could field next year with Sandro Tonali, James Maddison and more

The Newcastle United starting line-up is about to gain more Champions League experience with the arrival of Sandro Tonali from AC Milan.

The talented midfielder is expected to complete his medical this weekend ahead of the switch to Tyneside and is a real statement signing from Eddie Howe going into the club’s first Champions League season in 20 years.

The Magpies have insisted that spending this summer will be limited but there are still a number of deals in the offing that supporters will be getting excited about.

Here’s how the Newcastle United starting XI could look for the 2023/24 season.

GK - Nick Pope

A brilliant debut season at St James’ Park for Nick Pope has made him a fan favourite. He’s regarded as one of the best in the league and will continue in his role.

LB - Kieran Tierney

Wantaway Arsenal star Kieran Tierney has been linked with a move to the North East in recent months and, as consistent as Dan Burn has been, this is a position Eddie Howe will want to strengthen for next season’s Champions League.

CB - Sven Botman

Started every one of Newcastle’s Premier League fixtures from October onwards last season, a key cog in the Eddie Howe machine.

CB - Fabian Schar

Former a strong partnership with Botman which will continue next season. Only missed one Premier League match from September onwards which was due to a concussion. Howe is reportedly looking at investing in another centre-back but Joachin Andersen or Robin Koch seem unlikely to break up the Botman and Schar partnership.

RB - Kieran Trippier

Kieran Trippier personifies the Eddie Howe revolution going on at Newcastle United. Experienced, reliable at the back and clinical from set pieces.

CM - Bruno Guimaraes

The Brazilian flare in midfield, Bruno Guimaraes has the potential to become a world-beater. Is getting better and better in a Newcastle shirt and adds a real class to the side.

CM - Joe Willock

Joe Willock picked up some crucial goals and assists for Newcastle last term. His position could be the one most hotly contested with Anthony Gordon and Jacob Murphy available to fill in depending on the system.

CM - Sandro Tonali

Last week it looked as if Newcastle United’s Milan shopping spree was for Inter star Nicolo Barella but now it is AC Milan man Sandro Tonali who is set to join the club. He comes with real pedigree and European experience that will be invaluable to the Magpies.

RW - James Maddison

The James Maddison transfer saga is far from over with Tottenham Hotspur rivalling Newcastle United for the England international. There’s no doubt that the 26-year-old is proven Premier League quality and would be a major coup for Howe.

LW - Joelinton

Should Sandro Tonali and James Maddison sign for Newcastle, Eddie Howe may deploy Joelinton in a more advanced position than last season.

ST - Alexander Isak

The £60 million man will have another season of competition with Callum Wilson for the main striker role. A busier fixture schedule with Champions League matches should see both enjoying plenty of game time.