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

  • Newcastle will play in Champions League for first time since 2003
  • Magpies have enjoyed impressive rise under Eddie Howe following takeover
  • Sandro Tonali, Harvey Barnes and Tino Livramento have arrived at St James' Park
Newcastle have returned to the Champions League
Newcastle have returned to the Champions League / Matt Burt | 90min
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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

Season

Premier League

FA Cup

EFL Cup

2022/23

4th

R3

RU

2021/22

11th

R3

R2

2020/21

12th

R3

QF

2019/20

13th

QF

R2

2018/19

13th

R4

R2


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

Number

Names

1

Martin Dubravka

2

Kieran Trippier

3

Paul Dummett

4

Sven Botman

5

Fabian Schar

6

Jamaal Lascelles

7

Joelinton

8

Anthony Gordon

9

Callum Wilson

11

Matt Ritchie

13

Matt Targett

14

Alexandar Isak

14

Isaac Hayden

16

Jeff Hendrick

17

Emil Krafth

18

Loris Karius

19

Javier Manquillo

21

Ryan Fraser

22

Nick Pope

23

Jacob Murphy

24

Miguel Almiron

28

Joe Willock

29

Mark Gillespie

30

Harrison Ashby

32

Elliot Anderson

33

Dan Burn

36

Sean Longstaff

39

Bruno Guimaraes


Key players

Bruno Guimaraes
Bruno Guimaraes helped ignite Newcastle's Saudi-backed project / Stu Forster/GettyImages

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

Sandro Tonali
The Magpies made a big splash to sign Sandro Tonali from Milan / George Wood/GettyImages

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

Alexander Isak
Newcastle's classic black and white stripes / George Wood/GettyImages

Away kit


Third kit

Harvey Barnes
New signing Harvey Barnes sporting Newcastle's third kit / Visionhaus/GettyImages

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


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