With the 2021-22 mid-season transfer window now shut, here are five players who Newcastle should look to sign this summer on free transfers.
Following a solid January transfer window with five signings, questions now linger over Newcastle’s transfer plans for the coming summer as they seek extra reinforcement in outfield positions, with their goalkeeping selection currently looking solid.
Whilst it is easy for Newcastle fans to dream of big cash deals for players like Sven Botman, Fabian Ruiz. Eddie Nketiah and Hugo Ekitike this summer, there are plenty of quality players available on free transfers this summer to choose from.
Now, here is a look at five players who Newcastle should look to chase this summer on a free transfer.
Cesar Azpilicueta
Newcastle currently boast a solid fullback selection of Kieran Trippier, Javier Manquillo, Emil Krafth, Ciaran Clark and Jamal Lewis, their left-back position is weaker given that Clark works best as a centre-back whilst Lewis has failed to establish himself at St James Park.
Cesar Azpilicueta therefore feels like a strong free agent to consider come end of season because he boasts much needed defensive quality and experience, which is currently lacking in that full-back position whilst having the versatility to play at right and left back when needed.
Azpilicueta would also inject extra pace given his ability to overlap on the flanks and provide attacking opportunities for teammates, as evidenced by his 35 assists in over 300 Premier League appearances for Chelsea as well as excellent crosses and passes totals.
Newcastle though are in a solid position contract wise with their current fullbacks but Clark is injury-prone and is now in the twilight years of his career at 32 years-old, whereas Azpilicueta is still strongly reliable at the same age and would be a stronger left-back than Clark on that note.
James Tarkowski
With Federico Fernandez, Fabian Schar and Paul Dummett all out of contract in this defence this summer, Newcastle definitely will need to enter the transfer market for at least one centre-back and Burnley’s James Tarkowski would be the ideal fit.
Regardless of whether Newcastle stay up or suffer relegation this season, Tarkowski is one of the more reliable defenders around in English football, especially in blocks and clearances, who would certainly add extra strength and quality to Newcastle particularly alongside Jamaal Lascelles.
Tarkowski also is out of contract at Burnley come end of season so would be the ideal free transfer on various levels for the Magpies, although I am surprised Newcastle didn’t swoop for him during January than risk missing out on him to potential rivals over next few months.
Jesse Lingard
Having unluckily failed to secure a loan deal for Jesse Lingard through no fault of their own last month, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Newcastle swooped for him on a free transfer this summer from Manchester United.
Although he has only managed 274 minutes of football this season for Utd, Lingard is capable of adding extra quality to an attack-minded midfield as he demonstrated last season on loan at West Ham, which in turn fits Howe’s vision for Newcastle in terms of attacking football.
Lingard would also be a strong replacement for at least one of the Longstaff brothers with Matty and Sean both out of contract this summer, although if both leave then he would be adequate replacement cover for both on top of further signings.
Adnan Januzaj
Despite enduring a frustrating time in the Premier League between 2014-17 seasons after enjoying an impressive breakthrough campaign in 2013-14 season at Man Utd, Adnan Januzaj has reignited his career at Real Sociedad where he has been a solid presence on the flanks.
Januzaj also boasts Premier League experience with involvement in 11 goals in 75 appearances (five goals & six assists) and at 26 years-old, he would be a long-term fit for Newcastle with his attacking ability which could make him a surprisingly good fit under Howe.
Although many fans would rather see Ousmane Dembele at St James’ Park, it is worth noting that he is frustratingly injury-prone whereas Januzaj is more reliable and at peak of his career now with more experience under his belt.
Januzaj would also provide extra competition for Allan Saint-Maximin, Ryan Fraser and Matt Ritchie in the winger positions, as well as the versatility of playing in attacking midfielder role which is currently lacking with only Miguel Almiron in that particular role.
Divock Origi
Like Tarkowski, I am surprised that Divock Origi wasn’t on Newcastle’s radar during last month’s transfer window given his experience and quality.
Game time has been a huge issue for Origi at Liverpool in recent seasons under Jurgen Klopp, yet the Belgian striker has proven himself to be reliable when called upon especially in big matches which actually sums up the rest of Newcastle’s season in their fight for survival.
Another bonus is that he knows the Premier League well but hasn’t really had the chance to regularly play consistently, which will be something that Newcastle can offer him heading into this November’s World Cup as he chases a spot in the Belgium squad.
At 27 years-old come summer, Origi will also be in the prime years of his playing career and his experiences at Liverpool surely will be beneficial for the Magpies as they slowly rebuild with the aim of fighting for trophies under their latest owners.
In fact looking at the overall state of play in out-of-contract contracts this summer, Origi would be a safer bet than someone like Andrea Belotti or Ousmane Dembele who might not fit the physicality of English football.
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