3 key areas Newcastle United must strengthen this summer including the defence

Three Key Areas Newcastle United Must Strengthen This Summer

Newcastle United have not endured the best of seasons both on and off the field but the club deserves credit for sticking around. They have been in the top-six, top-ten and were even close to the relegation zone at one point but right now, they are placed 12th in the league standings.

While that is a decent position, Rafa Benitez and co will be aiming to break into the top-ten once more and with 7 games in hand, it does seem achievable.

However, once the summer transfer window commences, the club will be in dire need of strengthening the key areas. Despite starting the season on the right foot, Newcastle’s performances dwindled due to a lack of quality options in certain positions.

Regardless of how they fare this term, next season will be key in them solidifying their presence in the Premier League. For that to happen, here are 3 positions the club must strengthen this summer.

The No.9 Role

The Magpies have been plagued by the lack of goals this term, making it important for them to sign a new striker. Dwight Gayle and Joselu have shown flashes of brilliance but they have struggled to maintain consistency.

Meanwhile, Aleksandar Mitrovic failed to make a strong impact at Newcastle but he is in red-hot form for Fulham. It remains to be seen how his future plays out once the loan spell with the Championship outfit is done but for now, it is crucial that Benitez signs a new striker this summer.

Need For A No.10

The stark contrast in Mitrovic’s performances for Newcastle and Fulham suggest that the Magpies are facing a severe shortage of creative service.

The No.10 role is of utmost importance to every single team but Benitez’s men have lacked a quality player for a long time now. Ayoze Perez and Mo Diame have failed to make the role their own and if the club are to fulfil greater ambitions in the seasons to come, signing a new No.10 is a must.

Central Defence

As per a recent report from The Sun, West Ham United are harbouring an interest in Lascelles, who has been an outstanding performer for Newcastle this season.

The 24-year-old has been one of the best defenders in the Premier League this term and a lot of Newcastle’s defensive success comes down to his influence and power at the back. Besides his prolific displays, Lascelles is also a strong leader on the field and if he were to leave St. James’ Park, Newcastle will face an uphill task to replace him.