What will next season’s starting XI look like if Newcastle spend £175m?

Newcastle United once again found themselves in trouble in the summer transfer window, but the key difference in 2026 is that Eddie Howe and the team have plenty of time left to put things right.

However, the Magpies are in a difficult situation after losing Anthony Gordon to Barcelona and Sandro Tonali to Tottenham Hotspur. Funds worth £170 million were set aside for these sales.

However, Howe is determined to get back into form after finishing 12th in the Premier League last season.

Overall, Newcastle could add an extra £175m to their summer spending. It may seem like a big deal, but changes are afoot on Tyneside and Howe will need to make significant changes to his outfit to put him back in the spotlight.

Let’s take a look at exactly what will happen at St James’s Park.

1

Goalkeeper – James Trafford

If you are not successful at first, try again. It’s a mantra Newcastle’s rivals have adopted as they poach star players like magpie feathers, and they could now do the same with Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford.

Last year, Newcastle’s bid to sign Trafford was hijacked at the 11th hour, but Man City signed Gianluigi Donnarumma soon after, and all parties involved are now looking for a solution.

City want £40m for the England international. Toon probably doesn’t want to pay that much. This could go either way.

2

RB – Tino Libramento

Poor Tino Libramento missed England’s World Cup campaign after sustaining a calf injury in the build-up. It’s been a long, tough period for the 23-year-old, one of the most talented fullbacks in the league who has experienced setback after setback.

Rumors of a summer sale have disappeared. Arsenal were keen to sign a £70m deal and it now looks certain that Libramento will be part of Tyneside’s resurgence next season.

3

CB – Karim Coulibaly

Howe’s attention has not been on central defense this summer, but that doesn’t mean that won’t change in the coming weeks, with high-profile players already being released from Werder Bremen to sign Karim Koulibaly. Chelsea also appear to be interested, with reports earlier this summer suggesting talks were already underway.

Koulibaly, who is only 19 years old, will not be expected to start every week. Fabian Schaal and Dan Byrne form an experienced and reliable defensive system that will be ready when called upon.

4

CB – Sven Botman

Sven Botman was praised by Howe last season as “one of the best defenders in the Premier League”, but the truth is it’s been a while since the Dutch centre-half was at the top of his game.

Injuries have been the worst thing for him, but the 26-year-old has started Newcastle’s last nine Premier League games this season and a strong pre-season could do him the world of good.

5

LB – Lewis Hall

Lewis Hall would have been frustrated at being ignored by Thomas Tuchel ahead of England’s World Cup run, but nothing will change on Tyneside. He’s one of the best left backs in the league.

6

CM – Angelo Stiller

With Tonali gone for pastures new, Newcastle will need to sign a replacement and free-flowing passing master Angelo Stiller could be the man for the job, with the £44m-rated German thought to be at the top of Newcastle’s shortlist.

7

CM – Bruno Guimarães

Admittedly, this is a half-and-half interpretation of Bruno Guimarães’ development story, but you’d like to think Newcastle will fight tooth and nail to keep their captain at the club.

Arsenal have made a number of offers through intermediaries and the 28-year-old has made it clear he is looking for a new challenge.

If Newcastle have anything going for them, they will fight tooth and nail to keep their linchpin at the heart of the project.

8

CM – Johan Manzambi

If Newcastle pull this off, it will be a statement signing this transition project. Johan Manzambi is one of the world’s most exciting young midfielders and we have agreed a £51.5m transfer fee to bring him to Tyneside.

The Swiss breakout star is still competing on the pond, so don’t expect an announcement anytime soon, but if Thun wins this race, it would be an important statement of intent.

9

RW – Anthony Elanga

Anthony Elanga had a less than stellar debut season at Newcastle following his big-money move from Nottingham Forest, but the Swedish star excelled for the majority of the World Cup before France defeated Graham Potter’s side.

He is fast, tenacious and difficult to predict. If he plays next season, Newcastle will be well placed to claw their way back into European contention.

10

LW – Bazoumana Thule

It must have felt like Groundhog Day on Tyneside last month when Newcastle’s move for Victor Munoz was snapped up by Liverpool. However, Thun bounced back with the signing of Bazmana Toure, an exciting and pacy winger from the Bundesliga.

The transfer fee was quite high at £43m, but the 20-year-old has everything it takes to become a Gordon-like talisman for Howe’s side.