After Newcastle’s £305million takeover by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, fans are now looking ahead to future signings – and potentially a change in manager.
Antonio Conte and Steven Gerrard are two of the bookmakers’ favourites to be the club’s next boss if Steve Bruce leaves.
Things are looking up for Newcastle and their fans with the recent takeover of the club
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is behind the group who have bought Newcastle
Conte, who won the Premier League with Chelsea in 2017, is currently without a job but could be tempted to make a move to the north east if he’s given free reign.
He could be allowed to overhaul the squad and mould it into a team capable of challenging for the Champions League next season.
As for future signings, there have been some huge names already linked with a move to Tyneside.
Fans may have to wait before they sign big-name players like Kylian Mbappe, Paul Pogba and Ansu Fati, though.
Could Conte replace Bruce at Newcastle?
However, Newcastle defender Warren Barton would like to see the club make moves for Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland and Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling.
When asked who he would like his former club sign, Barton told talkSPORT: “Haaland, I think long term he’s aggressive, he scores goals, he’s right up my alley.
“He’s someone I would like to have, you haven’t got to worry about his temperament, you haven’t got to worry because of his upbringing with his dad he knows England and the philosophy, and I love him.
Signing Erling Haaland would certainly be a statement of intent from Newcastle
“You’ve got to strike while the iron’s hot. You’ve got to look at Sterling – not happy, not playing at Man City, come and join us.”
But who else could make a move to St James’ Park if the new owners decide to really splash the cash?
Andre Onana is a goalkeeper who has been linked with a Premier League move for a while and, once he has served a ban for doping, he could be a player Newcastle make a move for.
What’s even better, if they wait until the end of the season they could snatch him on a free transfer from under the noses of Conte’s former club Inter Milan – no need to spend any of those new billions in the bank account!
Andre Onana was handed suspension having failed an out of competition doping test
William Saliba is currently on loan at Marseille from Arsenal but, if the French youngster wants another shot in the Premier League, Newcastle could be the answer.
Still only 20-years-old, Saliba could develop into a defender capable of playing in the Champions League and, with the Magpies’ ambition, he could end up doing it with them.
Even if he’s just a loan signing, to help him acclimatise to the rigours of English football, it could prove another smart option from the Magpies and allow them more time to plan their long-term strategy.
Joakim Maehle was one of the star players at Euro 2020 this summer
A double swoop for Atalanta duo Robin Gosens and Joakim Maehle would make sense if Conte took charge, with his 3-4-3 formation working so well during his time at Chelsea and Inter Milan.
The wing-backs, who both impressed at Euro 2020, would be fantastic signings, if they can prise them away from the Italian side.
Finally, Frank Kessie – who currently plays for AC Milan – would be the perfect addition to play alongside Joe Willock in Newcastle’s midfield.
Kessie would be an excellent midfield addition, capable of doing dirty work and getting forward too
The Ivory Coast international is another one who has been linked with some big clubs over the last few years, and you can now add Newcastle to that list.
And best of all, like Onana, he's free next year.
If Kessie can be tempted, that will allow them to overhaul the squad without spending dangerously.
Meanwhile, Allan Saint-Maximin would remain in the side even if Haaland and Sterling come in.
If the new owners put their money where their mouths are, a Newcastle XI containing those star-studded names would be fighting for a Premier League title in no time at all.
Source: Talk Sport
