Newcastle United: Should We Really Be Downbeat?

Morning Geordies!

Well, as always with Newcastle United, there’s never a quiet summer, and this one has been no different.

We’ve seen Sandro Tonali depart, Anthony Gordon has also moved on, and while Bruno Guimarães remains a Newcastle player, there’s still plenty of speculation surrounding his future. At the moment, though, he’s still here, and there’s every chance he stays.

Looking at the possible starting XI below, I actually don’t think it looks like a bad team at all.

Let’s be honest, Gordon missed the back end of last season and barely featured, while Tonali, despite all his quality, never really performed at the level we all know he’s capable of. That’s not a dig at either player—it’s just how things played out.

The new-look side still has plenty to be excited about. If Bruno stays, Newcastle will still have one of the Premier League’s best midfielders pulling the strings. Alongside Joelinton and exciting new signing Aladji Bamba, there’s a midfield with plenty of energy, quality and potential.

Throw in Harvey Barnes, Bazoumana Touré and Wissa in attack, with Hall, Botman, Thiaw and Livramento at the back, and suddenly this squad doesn’t look half bad.

As a Newcastle fan, I look at this team and don’t think it’s all doom and gloom. Yes, I expect this season to be a tough one as the squad settles and the new signings adapt to the Premier League.

But if the recruitment plan comes together and these young players continue to develop, I genuinely believe 2026/27 could be a much stronger season for Newcastle United.

What do you think, Geordies? Are we worrying too much, or is there every reason to believe this team can surprise a few people?

Howay the Lads!