‘They need to’ - Newcastle United have ‘problems on the horizon’ but £300m trio offer transfer hope

Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton has predicted Newcastle United could have “problems on the horizon” following a dismal summer.

Concern is in the air on Tyneside for the first time since the Saudi-backed takeover three years ago. A hectic transfer window saw major change at boardroom level, with Mehrdad Ghodoussi, Amanda Staveley and Dan Ashworth leaving the club.

Paul Mitchell was appointed sporting director and Darren Eales asserted more authority once co-owners Staveley and Ghodoussi sold their shares. But the lacklustre window that followed triggered alarm bells around St James’ Park. 

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Newcastle failed to make any significant signings to improve the starting line-up. That is despite spending the bulk of August pursuing Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi.

On the plus side, the Magpies kept Bruno Guimaraes, Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon despite reported transfer interest. Ex-Blackburn Rovers and Celtic striker Sutton insisted keeping star assets is only one “important” part of growing the club.

“There’s no doubt that Marc Guehi was the player he wanted to bring into the club,” he told Casino Apps. “The club managed to hold onto Alexander Isak, Bruno and Anthony Gordon, which is important. 

“For Newcastle to make the next step, they need to retain their best players, but they also need to strengthen. Guehi was a player who Howe felt would allow him to do that, and the club didn’t get it over the line for whatever reason. 

“Howe has every right to feel pretty peeved about that. There could be problems on the horizon (between the manager and the board). Newcastle have had a reasonable start, but the performances haven't been there, and they sort of got away with one at the weekend against Tottenham.”