It is shaping up to be another transformative transfer window for Newcastle.
On New Year’s Day 2022, the Magpies were second bottom of the table, had only one Premier League victory to their name and were firmly mired in a relegation battle after failing to win any of their first 14 matches.
Manager Eddie Howe, who took over in early November, a month after Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) bought out Mike Ashley and made the north-east side the richest club in world football, had work to do.
He immediately splashed the cash in the January transfer window, spending £90million to snap up Bruno Guimaraes (£40m), Chris Wood (£25m), Dan Burn (£13m) and Kieran Trippier (£12m).
And backed by seemingly endless reserves of Saudi cash, Howe is aiming for several more big signings this summer to overhaul their squad.
Goalkeeper Nick Pope and defenders Sven Botman and Matt Targett have already joined – and with Bayer Leverkusen’s Moussa Diaby and Chelsea striker Armando Broja already linked, Sportsmail looks at how Newcastle could line up next season.
It is shaping up to be another transformative transfer window for Newcastle under Eddie Howe
The club’s new Saudi Arabian owners seemingly have a bottomless pit of cash to buy players
Goalkeeper – Nick Pope
Nick Pope, signed for around £10m, was nominally bought in to provide cover and competition for 33-year-old Martin Dubravka, but can realistically expect to start next season as No 1.
Dubravka will likely become second choice, with Karl Darlow a potential departure and Mark Gillespie acting as experienced backup after Freddie Woodman joined Preston.
Right back – Kieran Trippier
Although his first half-season at Newcastle was hit by injury, January signing Trippier, 31, is considered a top player at the club and a key leader on and off the pitch.
Emil Krafth will deputise in his absence, with Javi Manquillo seemingly out of contention.
Right centre back – Fabian Schar
Now entering his fifth season, Schar had never seemed to fully lock down a first-team slot but towards the end of last season, replaced club captain Jamaal Lascelles in defence and became a key cog in their upturn in form.
After playing the full 90 minutes in 22 of Eddie Howe’s first 24 games, the Swiss earned himself a new two-year contract at the club. He will probably start next season as first-choice – although Dan Burn may also partner the man below…
The club have already made three signings this summer,…