Newcastle 2023/24 season preview: Key players, summer transfers, squad numbers & predictions

Champions League outfit Newcastle - how good does that sound, Magpie fans? - have no intention of resting on their laurels in 2023/24.

While a distinct improvement was expected from Eddie Howe's side last season, they defied the odds to secure a top-four finish that was foreshadowed by few heading into 2022/23.

Shrewd coaching, savvy recruitment and a raucous home atmosphere have all played crucial roles in Newcastle's ascension since their Saudi-backed takeover came to fruition. However, Howe will have to work further magic if the Magpies are to retain their status as a Champions League club heading forward.

Here's 90min's preview of Newcastle's 2023/24 season.

Newcastle's performance last five seasons

Summer transfers

Ins:

• Sandro Tonali (MF) - AC Milan - £55m
• Harvey Barnes (FW) - Leicester - £39m
• Tino Livramento (DF) - Southampton - £32m
• Yankuba Minteh (FW) - Odense - £5.8m

Outs:

• Allan Saint-Maximin (FW) - Al Ahli - £23m
• Chris Wood (FW) - Nottingham Forest - £15m
• Karl Darlow (GK) - Leeds - £400,000
• Jamal Lewis (DF) - Watford - loan
• Yankuba Minteh (FW) - Feyenoord - loan
• Harrison Ashby (DF) - Swansea - loan
• Garang Kuol (FW) - FC Volendam - loan
• Kell Watts (DF) - Wigan - loan
• Matty Longstaff (MF) - released
• Ciaran Clark (DF) - released

Squad numbers

*Numbers subject to change before end of transfer window

Key players

Star player

While there have been many factors in Newcastle's rise, some might argue that the addition of Bruno Guimaraes from Lyon in January 2022 was the most significant.

The Brazilian midfielder had offers from Europe's elite when Newcastle came calling, but Guimaraes, persuaded by the club's ambition and a healthy pay packet, opted for St James' Park and neither the club or the player have looked back since.

Such an instrumental figure for Howe's side, Guimaraes would slot into the midfield of every Premier League outfit and Newcastle simply aren't the same side in the Brazilian's absence.

One to watch

Howe had hoped to free Guimaraes from a holding midfield position, but it remains to be seen whether the addition of Sandro Tonali from AC Milan will do that.

A relentless midfielder who performed superbly when the Rossoneri lifted the Scudetto in 2021, Newcastle were forced to pay a premium to prise Tonali away from his boyhood club this summer.

His attitude, work ethic and dogged determination should see him emerge as a fan's favourite on Tyneside and he seems like a sound systematic fit for Howe's aggressive 4-3-3.

2023/24 kits

Home kit

Away kit

Third kit

Premier League prediction

While Newcastle have undoubtedly got stronger this summer with the additions of Tonali, Harvey Barnes, and Tino Livramento, it looks like a tough ask for the Magpies to retain their top-four status.

Liverpool's increased strength renders them a distinct threat to Newcastle's top-four chances, while the likes of Chelsea and Tottenham shouldn't be counted out of the race.

While a slight domestic demise wouldn't be a surprise, Howe's side could take the Champions League by storm and perhaps enjoy a deep run in the competition given their fervent home support.

Newcastle 2023/24 Premier League prediction - 6th

READ MORE OF 90MIN'S SEASON PREVIEWS: A-F

READ MORE OF 90MIN'S SEASON PREVIEWS: L-W