Though a late Rafa resurgence looked as if it would be enough to keep Newcastle United in the Premier League, a dismal goalless draw with Aston Villa, coupled with Sunderland’s thrilling win, looks as if it will condemn the Toon Army to the Championship.
Quite frankly, it is a disaster for the Magpies. After years of stagnating under a poor regime, they have sunk like a stone and face a second relegation in seven years.
Players will no doubt leave, though that should be the least of the concerns on Tyneside.
The Championship is a gruelling division and requires a certain level of nous to get through it. Last time the club boasted the likes of Kevin Nolan, Andy Carroll and Joey Barton to help them back up. Things don’t look so good this time round.
There simply has to be some astute additions to the ranks on Tyneside, things that have proved elusive before.
Who exactly, well have a gander at who we here in the Transfer Tavern think.
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PRESS THE IMAGE TO SEE 5 CHAMPIONSHIP STARS NEWCASTLE SHOULD SIGN IF THEY GET RELEGATED.
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Alan Judge
An unfortunate injury ended Alan Judge’s season and his hopes of Euro 2016 with Ireland, having fractured his lower leg.
Still, the playmaker was in dazzling form for much of the campaign and seriously impressed in a reasonably poor Brentford outfit.
With Georginio Wijnaldum and Ayoze Perez all but certain to leave should they go down, the Toon Army need a creative spark who can deal with the demands of the Championship.
Kortney Hause
Jamal Lascelles has improved for the Magpies recently, emerging as one of the dressing leaders and a defender of top quality.
Still, the former Nottingham Forest man would have to be Bobby Moore rolled into Paolo Maldini to make up the inefficiency of his defensive teammates at times.
With Fabricio Coloccini finally set to leave and doubts about Chancel Mbemba’s future, the club would be well advised in making a central defender their priority.
As Wolves linger in mid-table, perhaps a move for Kortney Hause would be wise. A strong, imposing and gifted centre-back, he could excel if given the chance to play for the Toon.
Nahki Wells
Bermudan international Nahki Wells is going from strength to strength with Huddersfield after leaving Bradford City two years ago.
The pacy forward is finally adding a clinical aspect of finishing to his game, notching 17 goals in the league alone this term.
Goals have been extremely hard to come by for the North East giants this season and they need potent marksman who have experience at this level.
George Thorne
George Thorne would be a wonderful signing for Newcastle. By no means solely a midfield destroyer, the Derby County man would excel next to Jonjo Shelvey and free the England man up to dictate play.
The 23-year old has cruelly stricken with a double leg break in the closing stages of the season, though should be back in time for next season.
Would be hard signing to pull off, but certainly one worth trying.
Andy Robertson
Newcastle have needed a new left-back for a good 3 years now, with only Paul Dummet ever impressing when deployed there.
Hull City’s Andy Robertson would be another difficult deal to work out, though the Scotsman would be worth any initially expensive outlay.
The 22-year old is a wonderful left-back and can establish himself on Tyneside for years to come.
