After more than three years at the club, manager Rafael Benitez is into the final days of his contract at Newcastle United and is set to depart with no signs of a new manager yet.
In addition to solving their managerial conundrum, the Geordies also have to strengthen their armoury for the upcoming season and the prospect of heading into the crucial season looks bleak with a lot to seemingly achieve in just a month.
Mike Ashley is not renowned for his spending and it is implied that the club has to vouch for cheaper alternatives to cater to their needs for the upcoming season.
Therefore, here are three Premier League free agents whom they should consider signing this summer.
Gary Cahill
Cahill has unarguably been one of the most decorated defenders in the Premier League and the Magpies should leave no stone unturned to make him sign on the dotted line this summer.
The central defender’s contract with Chelsea is due to expire on 30th of June and despite the fact that Newcastle United have a decent stock of centre-backs, Cahill would bring leadership and winning mentality into their arsenal.
The 33-year-old has enormous Premier League experience under his belt and has a couple of years still left to offer to the game at the top level. If Newcastle United’s hierarchy sanctions his signing, they will only stand to gain from this shrewd piece of business.
Danny Welbeck
Welbeck’s Arsenal career ended in a forgettable fashion after his ankle injury during the Europa League clash against Sporting CP in November. He was not handed an extension and is currently a free agent.
However, he could be a handy asset for the Toon if he manages to stay fit and regain his form. He is a versatile attacker and has 16 international goals to his name, something which is conveniently overlooked by many.
The Englishman has the calibre to beat defenders in one-vs.-one situations and his understanding in the final third has also improved over the years. He needs a fresh start to his career and a move to St. James’ Park could benefit him as well as the Magpies who need experienced limbs in the final third of the pitch.
Shinji Okazaki
Okazaki was an instrumental figure in Leicester City’s famous Premier League title-winning season of 2015-16 but he rarely found opportunities to be on the pitch during the previous campaign.
Set to leave the King Power Stadium at the end of June, he could be a shrewd addition for Newcastle United. He is certainly a versatile attacker owing to his ability to ply his trade anywhere in the attacking zone while his work-rate and selfless play are hailed as his strongest suits.
Besides, he has bagged an adequate amount of experience of English football under his belt following his move from Mainz back in 2015 and his prowess in the final third should benefit Newcastle United if they sign him.
