The transformation of Newcastle United under Eddie Howe in the last 18 months has been extraordinary. Eddie Howe has improved the team in every area of the pitch, which lead to the club’s top-four finish last season and subsequent qualification to the Champions League.
Qualifying for the Champions League perhaps came ahead of schedule for Newcastle United, but it is a reward for the hard work, effort and dedication everyone has put in on and off the pitch. Having broken into the top four, Eddie Howe will look to build on the successful season by bringing in quality players this summer.
The Magpies could do with some reinforcements, although one shouldn’t forget that they have a strong core of players already. On that note, here are Newcastle’s three players to look forward in the 2023-24 season.
- Bruno Guimaraes
Bruno Guimaraes has become a serious player for Newcastle United over the last 18 months. He has become a fan-favourite since moving to St James’ Park in January 2022, from French side Lyon.
The 24-year-old has been in sensational form, helping the Magpies qualify for the Champions League. The Brazilian midfielder netted four goals and supplied five assists in 32 Premier League appearances. Bruno has fitted right into the philosophy Eddie Howe is looking to employ at the club.
He was pivotal to Newcastle’s return to Europe’s elite competition, and many will be looking forward to seeing what the Brazilian international has to offer in the 2023-24 campaign.
- Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak impressed on his debut season at St James’ Park, though also battled with injury during the last year. Eventually, he ended the season with 10 goals in 22 Premier League appearances and formed a lethal partnership with Callum Wilson up front.
With the swagger on the ball, movement, pace and dynamism, Isak gave many full-backs and centre-backs torrid time. With his consistent displays since the turn of the year, the Swede ousted Allan Saint-Maximin from the starting XI and became one of the first names on the team sheet.
The exciting and tenacious Isak is another one to look out for in 2023.
- Anthony Gordon
Anthony Gordon swapped Everton for Newcastle for £45million in January, but the move hasn’t quite worked out so far.
The 22-year-old is yet to kick on in a Newcastle shirt, although he has shown flashes of his sharpness and vision. He ended the season on a high with a goal in the 1-1 draw against Chelsea Stamford Bridge on the final day.
The question now stands is how quickly Gordon can get to grips with Eddie Howe’s high-pressing and intense system. That’s why a full pre-season will be so important, but having been named in England’s Under-21 squad for this summer’s European Championship, there are chances of the winger missing out initially.
Eddie Howe and the fans will expect a lot of improvement from Gordon’s performances next season, so that ideally makes him one to keep your eye on.