Newcastle United have finally added some depth and quality to their squad, having made a few signings so far in the transfer window.
The Magpies had announced the signing of Callum Wilson from Bournemouth earlier today, an recently confirmed Ryan Fraser‘s arrival on a free transfer as well.
Wilson cost close to £2omillion, and along with Fraser, he could be a regular in the first team under Steve Bruce next season. Newcastle also signed Jeff Hendrick earlier in the window, so he will add more depth to the squad.
How can we expect the Magpies to line up with their new signings?
Possible Newcastle United team with their new signings
Formation: 5-4-1 / 3-4-3
Last season, Bruce stuck to a three-man backline that meant that his side were organised for long periods and frustrated opponents. Even with these new additions in attack, the manager might be tempted to stick with a similar system and both Fraser and Wilson could make an impact here.
Isaac Hayden, Sean Longstaff, and Jonjo Shelvey were decent and will have Jeff Hendrick to compete with for a place in the midfield for the new season. Miguel Almiron can also play a role here, adding some creativity to the middle of the park.
New summer signing Jeff Hendrick (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Allan Saint-Maximin could retain his place on the left flank which means Ryan Fraser might start on the right flank. Both Saint-Maximin and Fraser can play on either flank and will add fluidity to the Newcastle attack.
Wilson should lead the attack with Joelinton dropping to the bench. However, there will be competition for places in the first team in all the attacking roles, which could be crucial for Bruce next season.
Formation: 4-4-2 / 4-1-4-1
However, with attacking quality galore in the squad, The Magpies may also be tempted to use a 4-4-2 or 4-1-4-1 system next season. Even in this system, Fraser and Saint-Maximin could be regulars on the wing. Hendrick could play a role on the flank if Bruce wants to add cover to his backline.
The midfield could remain the same as well but in attack, Bruce will have plenty of options. Both Joelinton and Wilson can play support striker roles and will be effective in the two attacking roles.
Almiron was also impressive in a no.10 role and could get a chance there if Bruce sticks with this system.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
But with the two new additions coming in, a more traditional 4-2-3-1 might be best suited for the Magpies next season. They have quality defenders at the back and have midfielders like Shelvey, Hendrick, Hayden and Longstaff who will surely make them a hard side to score against. It is lack of goals that saw Newcastle struggle last season but the new additions to the squad could change that next season.
Shelvey in a double-pivot alongside Hayden was an effective partnership in the middle for Bruce last season. But the duo were at times responsible to add creativity to the side, which should not be the case in the new season.
The Magpies have Joelinton and Wilson to choose from to lead the attack. Saint-Maximin was also effective as a no.9 but he and Fraser on either flank would add width and creativity to the Newcastle side. Wilson or Joelinton can lead the line and can form a fluid strike partnership that can test even the best of defences in the league.
The new additions at St James’ Park allow Bruce to play different systems to equal effect. So the Magpies will certainly be better equipped in the new season to break into the top half of the table or even push for a place in Europe.
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