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Since their inception in 1892, Newcastle United have won the English first division title a total of four times. Their last top-flight triumph came in 1927, almost a century back.
The club have seen its ownership change quite a few times over the last century, but none were able to get rid of its mediocrity.
The new owners, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), are determined to change the equation. They want to make Newcastle United a European heavyweight. Backed by the wealthiest owners in world football, the Magpies can now go after the biggest stars and turn their fortunes around in a heartbeat.
Although Newcastle United are staying mum about the whole transfer situation, we expect something big to go down sooner rather than later. The likes of Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe are still distant dreams, but the Tyneside club could prove their intent in January itself.
With that in mind, here are five big names Newcastle United could go after in the January transfer window:
#5 Franck Kessie - AC Milan
AC Milan's Franck Kessie is arguably one of the most underrated midfielders in Europe right now. The Ivory Coast international has been at the heart of almost every passage of play at Milan and has been fueling the Rossoneri’s title ambitions.
Kessie’s current contract with the Serie A outfit runs until June 2022, but negotiations have been at a standstill for weeks.
Kessie is reportedly unhappy with the contract Milan are offering and could look for a change of scenery sooner rather than later. Newcastle United, who currently have no shortage of funds, could do with a player of Kessie’s caliber.
At only 24 years of age, Kessie is a player Newcastle United can build their midfield around and hopefully and hopefully vie for the biggest trophies.
#4 Philippe Coutinho - Barcelona
Barcelona are in dire need of monetary reinforcements and have reportedly made several of their players available for transfer. New coach Xavi is still tinkering with the system and would rather have players that fit his system than keep former world-beaters around.
Former Liverpool ace Philippe Coutinho finds himself in a tricky position at Barcelona and could be on his way out in January itself. A return to the Premier League seems likely and Newcastle United could prove to be his ideal destination.
The Magpies need an explosive midfielder up top and Coutinho promises to be a worthy candidate.
The Brazilian is currently valued at around €20 million and could be a steal for Newcastle United in January.
#3 Jesse Lingard - Manchester United
In the January transfer window, Newcastle United are not expected to splurge millions in transfer fees. Instead, they could go after out-of-favor stars who are looking to prove a point.
Manchester United’s Jesse Lingard has not seen much action in the Premier League this season. Yes, Ralph Rangnick promises to make use of Lingard’s insane work rate, but that will not guarantee him a starting berth.
He would still have to vie with the likes of Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford for minutes.
Newcastle United, on the other hand, would offer him a clean slate and we have already seen how great he can be when he’s valued. Lingard enjoyed a stellar loan spell at West Ham last season, providing nine goals and five assists in 16 appearances.
#2 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang - Arsenal
Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is in a bit of a mess at the moment. The Gabon international recently breached Arsenal’s COVID-19-protocols and was subsequently punished by manager Mikel Arteta. He was dropped for Arsenal’s trip to West Ham United and was stripped of the captain’s armband.
With the Gunners treating Aubameyang like an outcast, Newcastle United could have themselves a capable and proven Premier League striker for a discounted price. The striker is currently valued at €25 million, but Arsenal could let him go for less.
Arteta does not have any plans for the Arsenal ace and could consider raising funds for future important signings.
If the Gabon international indeed signs, Newcastle United will have a hungry centre-forward, capable of breaching the toughest defenses with his blistering pace and ball control.
#1 Anthony Martial - Manchester United
Similar to Jesse Lingard, Anthony Martial has found it difficult to get regular minutes at Manchester United. The Frenchman has had to battle with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Mason Greenwood, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho for minutes without much success.
Frustrated with the current state of affairs, Martial has reportedly decided to leave the club in January itself and is looking for options.
Juventus and Barcelona are believed to be interested in the player, but it is Newcastle United who might have the best shot. The Magpies could make Martial a regular right from the get-go and would be able to meet his wage demands with ease.
To top it off, Martial would not have to spend time adjusting to a new league and could instantly hit the ground running.
All in all, it looks to be a good deal for both Martial and Newcastle United; good enough to become a reality in January itself.
