Newcastle United, who Eddie Howe manages, had an injury-ridden 2023/2024 season. Due to an impressive season the previous year, they had the luxury of playing in Europe’s elite competition – The UEFA Champions League in addition to Premier League football and the English Cup competitions.
Despite a strong start to the league campaign with impressive wins over fellow competitors, they faded into the second half of the season due to a grueling campaign with an increased number of matches and a lack of squad depth. While the team showed flashes of the brilliant football accustomed to Howe during his time as coach, their lack of quality players to replace injured or tired legs during the season cost them as they lost pace in the battle for European qualifications and lost consistency in the league.
They also failed to progress to the knockout phase of the UEFA Champions League as they finished last in a tough group that included German giants Borussia Dortmund, Italian side AC Milan, and Kylian Mbappe’s Paris Saint Germain.
In the 2023/2024 season, Newcastle United suffered about 38 different injuries to players which amounted to a total of 258 games missed by these players. It was the second most in the league behind London-based Chelsea.
The results of these injuries were evident in the performances of the club as they had few quality players to replace the injured first-team squad. Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali, who was signed in the summer from Italian giants AC Milan and scored on his competitive debut against Aston Villa in the Premier League was suspended for ten months following a betting scandal. It did not help matters, as other key players were injured during other phases of the season.
Senior center backs Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles both suffered cruciate ligament injuries which kept them out for a long period of the season. Other key players who suffered injuries include captain Kieran Trippier, goalkeeper Nick Pope, summer signing Harvey Barnes, Callum Wilson, Tino Livramento, Joe Willock, and many more.
Injuries to these players led to more minutes for teenagers like Lewis Miley, Joe White, and the like. They failed to match their previous season’s achievement of European qualification as they suffered considerably from an injury-marred campaign.
With the summer already here, it is important to strengthen the team to ensure a successful 2024/2025 campaign. Strengthening is important, as the Magpies are looking to secure qualification back to Europe after missing out last season.
After a promising start to Howe’s reign, expectations from fans have become increasingly high and they will hope to win at least a cup competition. Newcastle tickets will be on the high and they will also look to build a stronger squad that can compete on all fronts in the incoming campaign.
They conceded a staggering 62 goals in the league last season with 45 coming from open play alone. They also faced 401 shots on target from open play alone, accentuating their defensive fragilities. They ranked 13th in the league for open-play shots faced and were 12th in the league for open-play goals conceded.
The positions Newcastle United need to strengthen for the upcoming 2024/2025 season
One important area Eddie Howe will look to strengthen is the goalkeeping department. Lloris Karius has already left St. James’ Park, and Slovakia international Martin Dubravka, who deputized well for injured number one Nick Pope for the majority of last season might be looking to secure a move away from the club to secure a more regular playing time. It is important to sign a goalkeeper who can deputize well for Pope in the case of suspension or injury.
It has been reported that they have made Burnley’s number one goalkeeper James Trafford their goalkeeper priority this summer. Another choice they will be looking to sign is Arsenal’s second-choice goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, who will be seeking regular football after losing out to David Raya as the club’s top-choice goalkeeper.
Also, more depth is certainly required at center-back, and Eddie Howe will be hoping to sign a top-quality center-back this summer. Reports suggested they were linked to former Fulham player Tosin Adarabioyo, who recently joined Chelsea. Although they recently just confirmed the signing of Lloyd Kelly who will join when his contract expires at Bournemouth in the summer, reports suggest they have also been in talks with England international Fikayo Tomori who currently plays for AC Milan. They have also been linked to Nice center-back Jean-Clair Todibo, who will provide suitable competition for Fabian Schar.
In addition, the right-wing position for Newcastle is a top priority this summer. Paraguay international Miguel Almiron and Jacob Murphy are the two options currently available for the Magpies. Although both players have tireless work, their productivity over the years has been below par, which is why they will be looking to add further quality to the position. Reports have recently linked them to Michael Olise, but they will face tough stiff competition from the likes of London big boys Chelsea and Manchester United for the services of the Crystal Palace man.
Another important position that Howe will be looking at this summer is the striking position. This is a proper time to invest in the signing of a backup striker because English hitman Callum Wilson, who was linked with a move away from St. James Park in January might also seek to leave again this summer. His quality is never in doubt but his recent injury record is a good reason to let him go for the right price. He will also struggle to get sufficient playing time as long as first-choice Sweden international Alexander Isak is fit.
In the event of Wilson’s departure, Newcastle will be looking to bring in a younger option at centre forward, who will be comfortable playing as the backup to Isak.
Newcastle United will be looking at the summer as the right time to build upon a promising time under Eddie Howe by strengthening the necessary positions. If they can make the proper signings, they could challenge for silverware next season.
