MY ACCOUNT
Newcastle are set to embark on their first full season under new ownership — and big things are expected at St James’ Park.
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund became the club’s majority shareholder in October last year, boosting expectations that the Magpies will finally be able to challenge for major honours.
That will be the long-term aim for Newcastle, though Eddie Howe’s outfit will have more modest expectations for the campaign ahead.
A top-half finish while pushing for European qualification would represent progress on Tyneside in 2022-23.
Last season: 11th
Things could not have started much worse last season as five losses and three draws in eight matches saw manager Steve Bruce relieved of his duties.
But former Bournemouth boss Howe steadied the ship following his arrival in November before a January spending spree helped the Magpies surge up the table.
A run of six wins and a draw from January to March represented a particular highlight, while 18 points from their final eight fixtures was similarly impressive.
That resulted in an 11th-place finish, which would have seemed inconceivable in the early weeks of the campaign.
New faces
Newcastle have been more restrained in the transfer market than many people expected.
However, they have made three solid additions in Sven Botman (Lille), Matt Targett (Aston Villa) and Nick Pope (Burnley).
The club splurged £35million on sought-after centre-back Botman, while it cost £15m to turn left-back Targett’s loan move into a permanent deal.
But Pope’s arrival represents something of a coup for the Magpies — Burnley’s relegation to the Championship meant they were able to secure the England international goalkeeper for just £10m.
The line-up
4-3-3: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Targett; Guimaraes, Shelvey, Joelinton; Fraser, Wilson, Saint-Maximin.
The arrival of Botman adds to a formidable rearguard at St James’ Park, with England star Kieran Trippier and Targett offering plenty of threat down the flanks.
A revitalised Joelinton should continue in midfield alongside Jonjo Shelvey and Guimaraes, while Allan Saint-Maximin will bring creativity to the Magpies’ frontline.
If he can stay fit, Callum Wilson should hit double figures as the team’s central striker.
Star man: Bruno Guimaraes
A key figure in Newcastle’s upturn in form was January addition Bruno Guimaraes.
The midfielder, 24, signed for £40m from Lyon and proved to be a transformative presence in the Magpies’ engine room.
Five goals and an assist represented a solid attacking contribution from the Brazilian, while his defensive acumen helped Howe’s men tighten up at the back following his arrival.
There is undoubtedly more to come from the Rio de Janeiro native this term.
Up-and-comer: Lucas de Bolle
A product of the famed Wallsend Boys Club that schooled Alan Shearer and Michael Carrick, Lucas de Bolle is Newcastle’s hottest prospect.
The 19-year-old starred for the Magpies’ Under-23s in Premier League 2 last term, as well as featuring twice in EFL Trophy fixtures.
He has already trained with the first team and the creative midfielder will be hoping to finally make a senior appearance when the 2022-23 season kicks off.
The boss: Eddie Howe
Few managers have a CV as remarkable as Howe.
The 44-year-old tactician saved Bournemouth from relegation out of the EFL in 2008-09 despite the Cherries being hit with a 17-point deduction.
He then transformed the South Coast club — leading them into League One before returning from a brief spell with Burnley to win promotion to the Championship.
But Howe was not finished there. The former defender lifted the Championship title in 2014-15 and kept Bournemouth in the Premier League for a commendable five seasons.
Though he ultimately suffered relegation in 2019-20, his stock remained high — prompting Newcastle to bring him to St James’ Park last season.
All information correct as of 12pm, July 29, 2022
