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#3 Dan Burn
The position Newcastle United most desperately needed a new signing in was center-back. After going for the likes of Lille's Sven Botman and Sevilla's Diego Carlos, they ultimately settled for Dan Burn from Brighton. The deal set them back by $17 million.
Dan Burn is an interesting footballer. Judging by his 6"6' frame, fans are likely to think of a brutish, old-fashioned strongman who is great at aerial duels. They'd be right but that's not all.
Burn is an excellent ball carrier and crosser, so much so that he has often played comfortably at left-back. His passing is good too, as are his defensive numbers.
He averages more than two blocks, tackles, and interceptions each per game. Needless to say, he is a threat in the box from set-pieces as well.
#2 Kieran Trippier
The fact that Kieran Trippier, a very important player at Atletico Madrid, decided to move to Newcastle United should be huge for the Toons. Granted, much of his decision was dependent on the fact that he wanted to return to England, but it still is a huge transfer. Trippier is one of the top right backs in world football and signing him for just $17 million will go down as a bargain.
The 31-year-old's biggest strength is his deliveries into the box be it from set-pieces or crosses from open play. Given that Newcastle United have a couple of aerially dominant players in Burn and Wood, Trippier can rack up several assists at St. James Park. A La Liga winner last season, the England international will be important in Newcastle United's survival bid.
#1 Bruno Guimaraes
Bruno Guimaraes has been a talent to watch out for in the last 2-3 years. Even with Lyon's plethora of talented young midfielders, he shone the brightest. There is no doubt that a lot of big clubs would have been scouting him.
Arsenal were reportedly going to make a move as well. But Newcastle struck first, giving Lyon $46 million for the Brazilian. Now this could be a real transformative signing for the future.
Guimaraes is a top player who is entering his prime and the fact that he chose to come to St. James' Park will worry big clubs around the world. Guimaraes is a dominant midfielder, with excellent creativity, passing, and defensive numbers. If he settles in well, Newcastle could be set in that position for nearly a decade.
