The Magpies are confident of adding to their first team squad in the summer transfer window
Eddie Howe faces a difficult transfer challenge this summer – but it’s one that underlines just how strong the current starting line-up is, according to former Scotland international Don Hutchison. It’s an issue he shares with Liverpool boss Arne Slot, but suggests at a positive future for the Magpies, if they can get the right deals over the line.
Hutchison, who starred for Liverpool, Everton, West Ham and Sunderland in a long playing career, feels United must only target players who will strengthen their first team in the summer transfer window, but insists there are only one or two positions which need attention.
United have money to spend after negotiating PSR issues last summer, and are confident of being able to bring their targets to St James’ Park for what could be another exciting season. The squad depth will need addressing with at least eight Champions League games to fit into the schedule, but Hutchison only wants to see top level signings, with the knock-on impact improving the bench by default.
“In some ways, I woud liken Newcastle to Liverpool,” he told Gambling Zone. “They’re so close to brilliance. It’s a bit like when Liverpool only signed Chiesa, because how can you improve on Mo Salah, Virgil van Dijk or Trent Alexander-Arnold? Obviously, Newcastle aren’t at that level, but I wouldn’t swap Newcastle’s midfield for anyone else’s in England. Joelinton, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes – there’s no trio better.
“Same for Alexander Isak, you can’t improve on that. Anthony Gordon, you might get a better player, but he has exceptional potential you don’t want to block. Tino Livramento is wanted by some big clubs, like City, and I like Lewis Hall. There’s plenty of talent there.
“I think where you could improve is bringing in another goalkeeper and another centre-back. You could look at someone like Marc Guehi, who would slot in brilliantly alongside Sven Botman. But for Newcastle, there’s a limited number of spaces that you can fill to improve on.
