Newcastle’s ambitious project took a step back after missing out on Europe last term but the Magpies are well-equipped to go again in 2024/25.
Newcastle United – Premier League Season Preview 2024/25
Last season: 7th
Title odds: 35/1
TFF prediction: 6th
Newcastle United Transfers 2024/25
In: John Ruddy, Lloyd Kelly, Lewis Hall, Odysseas Vlachodimos, Miodrag Pivaš, William Osula.
Out: Matt Ritchie, Paul Dummett, Yankuba Minteh, Elliot Anderson, Loris Karius, Jeff Hendrick.
After the highs of Champions League qualification, a year earlier, last season proved to be a reality check for Newcastle. Their European venture ended at an admittedly tough group stage and the Magpies missed out on qualification for continental competition. Eddie Howe’s side will regroup and the absence of Europe could help propel their push back towards the top four in 2023/24.
Alexander Isak is fast-developing into one of Europe’s most exciting forwards and became the first Newcastle player to score 20+ top-flight goals in a season since Alan Shearer last term, while Bruno Guimaraes has doubled down on his commitment to the project.
😁🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/PZIGLdP5tK
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) August 14, 2024
In terms of incomings, Lloyd Kelly adds much needed defensive depth but there’s been a lack of excitement in Newcastle’s other business to date. Goalkeeping cover has been added, Lewis Hall’s loan from Chelsea has been made permanent, and the Magpies have taken a £15m gamble on Sheffield United striker William Osula. It hardly screams ‘top four here we come’.
However, work continues in the background with a bid submitted for Marc Guehi. There’s also interest in signing a right-winger with Miguel Almiron expected to depart. Two high-quality additions and the picture could look altogether different, particularly as last season’s absent stars return to the squad. Newcastle had the third-highest injury rate in the Premier League last season.
Key player: Alexander Isak
Bruno Guimaraes might be the most popular man on Tyneside right now but it is Isak who is the real game-changer for Newcastle. The Swedish striker struck 21 times in the Premier League last season, with only Erling Haaland and Cole Palmer netting more.
His return came despite making just 27 league starts and if the Magpies can keep the 24-year-old fit for an entire campaign, he might be the difference in their challenge for Champions League football.
One to watch: Sandro Tonali
Sandro Tonali was the headline signing at St James’ last season and impressed on debut as the Magpies thrashed Aston Villa. However, his season was stopped after being found guilty of breaching gambling rules, resulting in a 10-month ban from football.
The Italian’s ban ends on August 27th, meaning he will be free to return for the home clash against Tottenham on Sunday September 1. He owes Newcastle for their support in recent months and the £55m midfielder has more than a point to prove this season.
🇮🇹 We can announce that Sandro Tonali will return to selection on Wednesday, 28 August following the conclusion of his ten-month ban from competitive football pic.twitter.com/M50U0fkwOQ
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) August 15, 2024
