It is expected to be a busy transfer window for Newcastle United in their first summer under the new ownership. The Magpies splashed out almost £100 million in January and it wouldn’t be a surprise for them to get close to that figure again, too, as they look to further strengthen the squad.
Given the amount of funds available at their disposal, several names from across Europe have already been linked with a summer switch to Newcastle. But given their current situation – with no European football – Newcastle are going need to sign smartly in the window as they push towards a top 10 finish.
So with that in mind, here is a look at five realistic players they could sign, based on WhoScored's top 50 performing players, from Europe’s top five leagues.
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Moussa Dembele – Lyon
Lyon striker Moussa Dembele hit over 20 goals in a single league campaign for the first time in his career last season. Dembele recovered from his woes of the 2020/21 season to rediscover his goal scoring touch that has been on show almost everywhere he has been.
The 25-year-old averages just shy of a goal every other game during his time at Lyon and could provide Newcastle with another clinical option at the top end of the pitch. Chris Wood struggled for goals following his January move from Burnley, while Callum Wilson has suffered heavily with injuries at St. James’ Park, meaning a striker is likely to be on the agenda this summer.
Martin Terrier – Rennes
It appears as though Newcastle’s main target to bolster their options out wide is Bayer Leverkusen’s Moussa Diaby, however Rennes’ Martin Terrier could be a very good alternative. Terrier enjoyed a superb season at the French side as he netted 21 goals and provided four assists in 37 league matches, including a spell towards the back end of the season where he scored in seven successive matches.
Terrier can play both as a second striker and left winger, making him an extremely versatile player who could provide the Magpies with options across the front line. At 25, Terrier is about to hit the prime years of his career and so he could be an excellent investment.
Domenico Berardi – Sassuolo
As mentioned above, Diaby appears to be Newcastle’s primary target for the wings, though Domenico Berardi would be an excellent plan B. Like Diaby, Berardi hit double figures for both goals and assists, with 15 and 17 respectively for Sassuolo in Serie A.
Berardi would provide the Magpies with excellent balance, as he primarily plays on the right so he can cut in on his stronger left foot, like Allan Saint-Maximin on the other side. The 27-year-old is a full Italy international and would be quite a coup if they were able to pull off a deal.
Benjamin Bourigeaud – Rennes
The second Rennes player to make the list is versatile midfielder Benjamin Bourigeaud, who was also able to hit double figures for goals and assists last season. Bourigeaud is someone capable of playing both centrally and out wide, and along with Dimitri Payet, completed the most key passes per 90 in Europe’s top five leagues with 3.2.
The 28-year-old found the net on 11 occasions in Ligue 1, while also providing a further 13 assists – showing he can both score and create. Newcastle will be keen to build a team with more goals across the pitch next season, and Bourigeaud is someone who fits that bill.
Lorenzo Pellegrini – Roma
Probably the most high profile and therefore toughest player to sign on this list is Roma midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini. Pellegrini has made just shy of 200 appearances for Roma and enjoyed another good season last term, as he netted 13 goals and provided eight assists in all competitions.
He is currently Roma’s captain and played a key role as Jose Mourinho’s side lifted their first ever European trophy – the UEFA Conference League. Pellgrini plays primarily as an attacking midfielder, but is also able to play deeper and would be a serious signal of intent for the Magpies.
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