Newcastle United supporters in the Transfer Tavern are very much looking forward to the 2018/19 Premier League season, what with their side seeking to build upon their fine tenth place finish last term.
Rafa Benitez’s men deserve great credit for securing a top half finish upon their return to the top-flight last time round, having lifted the Championship title just 12 months earlier. However, based on their limitations during the 2017/18 season, it’s clear that reinforcements are needed over the summer if the former Chelsea and Liverpool boss is to indeed take the Magpies forward this term, and perhaps back towards their former glories in the years to come.
Yet with just a few weeks to go before the window shuts, the North East giants have added just three names to their squad, two of which in Martin Dubravka and Kenedy were at the club last term on loan, while Ki Sung-Yeung makes the move on a free after leaving Swansea City at the expiration of his contract.
And with funds again looking scarce for manager Benitez ahead of the new season, the Spaniard may have to focus on keeping the club in the Premier League again this term as opposed to looking up the division, which is why if they aren’t going to spend, the Magpies must target these THREE bargain buys this summer…
Yaya Toure left Manchester City at the expiration of his contract back in June, thus bringing the curtain down on a hugely successful eight-year spell at the Etihad Stadium.
The midfielder won three Premier League title during his time in the North West and played an integral part in the first two successes, as well as helping the Citizens to two League Cup crowns, and indeed the FA Cup title back in 2011.
Yes, there will be concerns that the Ivorian is 35 now and is likely well past his best, but having excelled for City in the 2016/17 season, the midfielder may still have some time left at the top level, and in a Newcastle side lacking experience and nous, he could be a huge asset.
The future of Abel Hernandez has been subject to speculation for much of the summer now, with Newcastle one side reportedly keen on the striker following his departure from Hull City.
Yet, with just a few weeks to go before the start of the season, the 27-year-old remains without a club, which is why the Magpies must seek to make a move as although he has had his injury troubles in recent times, his goal-scoring record is reasonably impressive.
The Uruguay international has scored eight times in the top-flight during his career and has 28 goals to show for his 48 Championship appearances, thus suggesting that, when fit, Hernandez is hugely adept in front of goal.
And with the Magpies in dire need of attacking reinforcements, they could do a lot worse than land the 27-year-old on a free transfer this summer.
Despite playing a part in Croatia’s run to the final of the World Cup this summer, midfielder Milan Badelj remains without a club after leaving Fiorentina before the tournament in Russia.
The 29-year-old spent four years in Italy and played 140 times for the Serie A club during his time there, with his efforts in recent times earning him a place in Croatia’s squad for this summer’s World Cup.
And Badelj certainly did his chances of earning a new deal no harm at all by netting once and laying on one assist in three appearances for his country to help them reach the final, although he was an unused substitute in the 4-2 defeat to France in the showpiece.
Nonetheless, the sale of Mikel Merino alongside the likely departure of Isaac Hayden could leave Benitez’s short in the midfield department – a bargain move for Badelj would go some way to bolstering those ranks.
