2021/22 Premier League Preview – Newcastle United

06/08/21 2236

Following a succession of mid-table finishes, the Toon Army are desperate for their club to reach the next level. Is Steve Bruce the right man the guide Newcastle back to the glory days?

• Manager: Steve Bruce

• Stadium: St. James’ Park

• Last Season: 12th

As a former Sunderland manager, it’s safe to say that Bruce wasn’t the most popular man on Tyneside when he replaced Rafa Benitez as Newcastle boss back in 2019.

However, the 60-year-old has steadied the ship at St. James’ Park over the past couple of years and will be confident of taking the club even further in 2021/22.

• What Happened Last Season?

Despite finishing twelfth last term, the Magpies ended up with the fifth-worst defensive record in the league – conceding 62 goals in 38 games.

That said, they still managed to finish 17 points clear of the relegation zone and established themselves as a solid mid-table side.

The gap between them and the top half was 14 points, though. Are they good enough to bridge that gap this time around?

• Players In

Billionaire owner Mike Ashley has kept his hands firmly in his pockets this summer, with Newcastle failing to make a single signing during the off-season.

• Players Out

• Christian Atsu – Al-Raed (Free)

• Florian Lejeune – Alaves (Free)

• Andy Carroll – Released

• Henri Saivet – Released

• Yoshinori Muto – Released

Andy Carroll, Henri Saivet and Yoshinori Muto have all been released by the Magpies over the summer, meaning they need reinforcements in attack.

Christian Atsu and Florian Lejeune have also left the club in the off-season, joining Al-Raed and Alaves, respectively.

• Newcastle United’s Key Player

Callum Wilson – The Magpies struggled for goals last term, but Callum Wilson continuously popped up at the right moment. The striker chalked up 12 goals and five assists in 28 appearances last season.

Although Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron are capable of producing moments of magic, Wilson’s consistency makes him Newcastle’s most important player.

• What Can Newcastle United Achieve in 2021/22?

It is difficult to see Newcastle making the step up from mid-table mediocrity in the coming season, even if the club do make some last-gasp signings.

With teams like West Ham, Tottenham, Arsenal, Leeds, Everton and Aston Villa all likely to push for a European spot this term, Newcastle may have to settle for another average campaign.