After the arrival of Eddie Howe just twelve games into last season, there was a feeling of refreshment that loomed around Newcastle United.
Next campaign, both the players and the coaching staff respectively will look to carry this feeling with them and improve upon an 11th-placed finish.
From the hierarchy, the target is simple. Much to the joy of supporters, Amanda Staveley has outlined that trophies and success are the things that she longs-for.
Whilst not being overly eye-catching, the club has made adequate signings ahead of the new season, one of those being Dutch defender Sven Botman, a player who was brought in from LOSC Lille for a reported £32 million.
Elsewhere on the pitch, goalkeeper Nick Pope has been acquired from Burnley to provide competition to the club’s current number one, Martin Dubravka. The English shotstopper joins Matt Targett who has also joined the club on a permanent transfer following a successful loan spell last time out.
It might not be finished there, though; Leicester City playmaker James Maddison is a player who has attracted interest. After two unsuccessful bids reportedly in excess of £40 million, the club will now decide whether or not they want to smash their current transfer record to attain the attacking midfielder.
Saint-Maximin must step up
Registering ten goal involvements throughout the whole of the 2021/22 campaign, it has been established that Allan Saint-Maximin, Newcastle’s biggest talismanic figure, must knock down the plateau that is stopping him from becoming a world-class talent.
Often lauded, Saint-Maximin is a fan favourite on Tyneside and follows in the footsteps of former French wingers David Ginola and Hatem Ben Arfa.
Despite this, the 25-year-old frequently finds himself in debates concerning his importance and market value with many of the belief that the maverick must implement consistency into his game.
The season could be a make or break for Saint-Maximin. He must prove his significance to the Geordie faithful and make the left-wing position his own or he may face more doubts.
One to Watch - Elliot Anderson
After an impressive season on loan at Bristol Rovers and grabbing seven goals and six assists in the league, Whitley Bay-born starlet Elliot Anderson has made an everlasting impression on Eddie Howe in pre-season.
Dubbed the ‘Geordie Maradona’, the 19-year-old will seemingly be allowed to test himself in the Premier League after being trialled alongside fellow midfielders Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton.
This season could be an extremely promising one for the youngster who could benefit from the new Premier League rule which allows five substitutes, rather than three.
A brutal opening
The commencement of the Premier League offers somewhat of a mixed bag towards The Magpies, who face newly-promoted Nottingham Forest at St James’ Park on the opening day of the season.
Afterwards, Newcastle will travel to the South Coast to take on a Brighton side who, with Graham Potter at the helm, will certainly be confident at home after a fantastic finish to last season.
To conclude the month of August, The Toon will play three times in ten days against Manchester City, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Liverpool respectively, ending the month at Anfield in the evening fixture.
Conclusion
No matter what occurs over the course of the 2022/23 campaign, Newcastle will be expected to make a statement in front of a worldwide audience.
Achieving a respectable 49 points last season, a club once accustomed to relegation battles will now look to embark on a European tour - something that would’ve been laughed at if suggested this time last year.
