The new Premier League season is now just a month away, and Newcastle United have added three players to their squad, with Monaco midfielder Aladji Bamba set to become number four soon. Head coach Eddie Howe had emphasised how big this summer would be, with players sold and new faces needed, but most of the issues facing him remain.
Goalkeeper remains the top priority
Lee Ryder believes the best teams are built from the back and that a quality goalkeeper makes the difference. He says every save picks up points, and that Newcastle have taken a long, hard look at James Trafford, but with Leeds United moving for the ex-Burnley man, they may now look elsewhere. After goalkeeper, he says a Sandro Tonali replacement is a priority, but also sees a need for another right winger. He stresses that if Nick Pope is on his way, a senior shot-stopper is vital anyway.
McCormick: goalkeeper, full-back, midfielder high on list
Sean McCormick says a new goalkeeper remains the number one priority. He states Nick Pope was fantastic for three seasons but his standards slipped last year, with big mistakes costing points. He notes that Ewen Jaouen is expected to have a big career but it would be a big risk to throw a goalkeeper who has played exclusively in French second tier into the starting XI. He suggests finding an alternative to Trafford who is good with his feet as the biggest priority.
Gregory: goalkeeper over new striker
Ross Gregory thinks Newcastle can muddle through without a new number nine, as proven goalscorers are rare and expensive, and it may be time to trust Will Osula and Yoane Wissa. He says the priority is goalkeeper, adding that Newcastle arguably left 8-10 points in the dressing room through keeper mistakes last season, which would have seen them top six. He was initially against a £40m deal for Trafford on top of £18.5m spent on Jaouen, but if that's who the club thinks is best, go and get him.
Jamieson: striker needed for 20+ goals
Stuart Jamieson says the squad needs strengthening in many areas, and despite the arrivals of Bazoumana Toure and Sean Steur, nothing much has changed when it comes to priorities. His big concern is that Newcastle do not have a player who can get them 20+ goals next season. He notes they were unable to kill teams off last term, and that will not change without a regular marksman. He says maybe they're banking on Yoane Wissa coming good after a positive World Cup, but he is not sure they can take that risk. He concludes that getting a striker on board soon is essential, or all other good work may be for nothing.
