'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
#18 Newcastle United
Players In: Martin Dubravka, Ki Sung-yueng, Kenedy, Fabian Schar, Yoshinori Muto
Players Out: Jesus Gamez, Curtis Good, Massadio Haidara, Jack Colback, Chancel Mbemba, Matz Sels, Mikel Merino
Newcastle have had an abysmal time in the gap between the ending of last season and the beginning of this next one. The divide between Rafa Benitez and Mike Ashley has widened, with their relationship reaching perhaps the sourest it's ever been. Benitez has complained about his lack of control over transfer negotiations, and is infuriated that all of the deals are controlled by Ashley and the Newcastle board.
Recently, Newcastle's deal with Salomon Rondon stalled after they took far too long to activate his release clause. The clause expired in late July and has meant that the deal is now off - unless Rondon's club, West Brom, can find a replacement in time.
To make matters worse, the players they've let go are far better than the players that they've brought into the club. As a result, there's been a clear drop in standard at St. James' Park, which will only put them in a very weak situation going into next season. Newcastle also had a pre-season friendly against mid-table Portuguese side, S.C. Braga, which they lost 4-0. Benitez said that the result was "worrying".
With all this in mind, it becomes clear as to why I've predicted for Newcastle to be relegated. Unless they can bring in some high-quality players before the window closes, they'll be in for a long, tough season.
