Who Is – Realistically – the Biggest Name Newcastle Could Sign in the Next Transfer Window?

It's fair to say that Newcastle's soon-to-be owners are set to bring a big wad of cash with them to Tyneside, £260bn or summat like that.

And it's only human nature for the Magpies, who currently have football's least glamorous manager at the helm in the form of Steve Bruce and sit 13th in the Premier League, to be linked with every single name under the sun.

While moves Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane are just...not on, deals for some of Europe's biggest names – well, they certainly were at some point in their career at least – do seem fathomable. They're set to literally have the richest football owners on the planet! And who cares about 'Financial Fair Play rules'?!

So, with COVID-19 no match for the spending power of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, it's set to be a busy 'upcoming' transfer window at St. James' Park and here's an assessment of how realistic it is for these big names to arrive at Newcastle ahead of next season...

Gareth Bale

Now this would be something.

Following window after window of persistent rumours linking the Welshman with a move away from Real Madrid, it might finally be time for Bale depart his 'dream' club.

£53m is the reported fee attached to any potential sale for the 30-year-old which, of course, won't be an issue for Newcastle, while the new owners will likely be in a position to pay Bale's apparent hefty wage demands - a sticking point for the majority of other interested clubs.

The player, however, is reportedly not interested in moving to Tyneside (not many good golf courses?) and overall, this deal already appears dead.

Realistic Rating: 3/10

Jack Grealish

Grealish is set to garner plenty of interest at the end of the season following an inspiring campaign at Aston Villa in their return to the top-flight.

The 24-year-old will come at a significant cost, with £80m the reported fee even if the Villans go down and overall, it appears the new owners have their hearts set on a 'bigger' name on a continental scale - in the ilk of Bale, Coutinho, etc - as opposed to Grealish. Also, isn't he going to Manchester?

Realistic Rating: 4/10

James Rodriguez

Cor, going from a midfield consisting of the Longstaffs and Isaac Hayden to Philippe Coutinho and James Rodriguez would be quite the transformation.

While the Colombian has failed to replicate any sort of form akin to his Golden Boot-winning 2014 World Cup campaign, the addition of the innovative midfielder would be quite the coup for the Magpies.

The 28-year-old will surely be determined to enjoy a renaissance at his new club, but unfortunately for the Toon, that new club appears to be Atletico - with the player desperate for the move.

Realistic Rating: 5/10

Alexis Sanchez

The more lucrative half of the most underwhelming swap deal in history, Sanchez has been on nothing but a downward spiral since his departure from Arsenal in 2018.

Following a sensational 2016/17 campaign in north London which saw him score 24 Premier League goals, the Chilean netted just five times in a one-and-a-half year spell at Manchester United before departing to Inter on loan at the start of the current campaign.

Sanchez has struggled to convince Antonio Conte thus far, however, and it looks unlikely he'll be signing at the Nerazzurri permanently. He's just not a great fit systematically. Also, he's been injured some.

So, with the 31-year-old set to move on from the Red Devils permanently, Newcastle - and the wonga - looks like a intriguing option. The Magpies would have to pay a minimal fee to secure the Chilean's services, given that United would love to be rid of his wages.

Realistic Rating?: 7/10

Kalidou Koulibaly

Every half-decent Premier League club has already been linked with a move for the Napoli defender, with the Magpies believed to keen on acquiring the player.

Although they're set to be part of a 76-club brawl to secure the 29-year-old's services in the next window, Newcastle's financial muscle may give them the edge. Kouilbaly, meanwhile, is believed to be excited by the project and has talked about the club becoming 'one of the biggest in the world' under their new ownership.

Promising.

Realistic Rating: 8/10

Philippe Coutinho

The Brazilian looks to have played his final game in Bayern colours with an ankle injury ruling him out for two months following surgery.

With a long-term return to parent club Barcelona unlikely, Coutinho may well venture back to the Premier League with several clubs interested.

Again, Newcastle's financial flex will put them ahead in the sweepstake and if Mauricio Pochettino is appointed their new manager, you can expect the Argentine to make a serious run for the diminutive playmaker.

Realistic Rating: 8.5/10

Wilfried Zaha

This is a rumour which has gained significant traction as of late, with Newcastle reportedly 'eyeing up' a £60m bid for the Crystal Palace winger.

And surely, with the Eagles set for another season in mid-table obscurity, it's time for Zaha to move on from his boyhood club.

This is a deal you could certainly envisage, with the Zaha x Allan Saint-Maximin collaboration from the flanks set to evolve the Magpies into the second coming of Kevin Keegan's 'Entertainers' from the mid-90s.

Realistic Rating: 9/10