There’s no doubt about it, Newcastle United are the surprise package in the Premier League this year. Flying high in third place in the league they are above everyone’s expectations of them, while also above our own expectations. Demba Ba has been formidable in attack for us, the ever reliable Coloccini in defence. Newcastle have built up a good squad with some players with real potential, such as Hatem Ben Arfa and Davide Santon, who we haven’t seen much of yet. The squad does need strengthening though, but who should the club bring in?
The first thing the club needs is a consistent strike partner for Demba Ba. A player that can be selected week in, week out so the two can gel up front and form a great attacking partnership. Loic Remy of Marseille would be a brilliant signing for the Toon, he’s hit 6 goals in 13 games in Ligue 1 this season and amassed a total of 18 goals in 32 games across all competitions last year.
The 24 year old France international would be a great player for the club to spend some of the Caroll transfer money on. He has a great return on goals as well as creating chances for his teammates, while also having the flair to change the game at the flip of a coin – something that Ba lacks. With Remy and Ba up front, Newastle would be an even tougher side to keep quiet in attack.
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Another area that could be strengthened is at the centre of defence. Coloccini and Steven Taylor have formed a good partnership but Newcastle will struggle to replace them in the starting line up if either picks up a long term injury. With Everton’s financial troubles, and the need to raise cash, Newcastle could swoop for Phil Jagielka. An experienced, decent centre back with Premier League experience is what clubs want and Jagielka certainly delivers that.
The prospect of European football next year is a hard one to turn down and this could tip the balance in favour of the Toon. They wouldn’t need to break the bank to sign him and it would give their squad some real depth, while also adding more competition for places which is key to forming a succesful side.
Jagielka is not the only option though. Mamadou Sakho of Paris Saint Germain is a young French defender who has begun to turn heads and it won’t be too long before the big clubs start to take notice. Some already have but Newcastle could jump the gun and secure his services early. At only 20 years of age he has a lot of playing time to grow, and grow he will. I believe Sakho to be one of the best promising young defenders in the world and for Newcastle to secure a player like this it would be a overwhelming boost to their squad.
If Newcastle United sign these players it would give us a real boost towards European football, while also giving us the chance of having a squad capable of fighting consistently for a top four place and securing Champions League football, something every Newcastle United fan dreams of. Of course, who in their right mind would turn down the oppurtunity to play at the Sports Direct Arena?
Written by Josh Challies
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Why did you have to spoil it by adding the last sentence – “Of course, who in their right mind would turn down the opportunity to play at the S****s D****t Arena?” Ashley has already said that he doesn’t care if people still call the ground St. James’ Park, so why give him free advertising? it would be just as easy to say “Of course, who in their right mind would turn down the opportunity to play for Newcastle?”
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