The Premier League season is all but over for some, but there is still so much to play for in Newcastle United’s case.
After a rough start to the season, the Magpies have pulled themselves out of the fire to become one of the favourites for Champions League football next season. Newcastle United are currently third in the Premier League table, which would be enough for a return to Europe’s top competition.
The Premier League title has been wrapped up, with Liverpool’s 5-1 win against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday giving Arne Slot’s side the final points they needed to win their 20th league title.
On Saturday, Newcastle’s win against Ipswich Town confirmed the Tractor Boys would be heading back to the Championship after being promoted in 2024. Kieran McKenna’s side put in a valiant effort, but in the end their inexperience was a key difference maker.
Ipswich join Leicester City and Southampton as the three relegated teams from the 2024/25 Premier League. Newcastle have been linked with moves for players from two of those sides.
Newcastle want Liam Delap, who will cost just £30m this summer. However, there are concerns over whether he would be happy playing second-string to Alexander Isak. Elsewhere, Newcastle want Tyler Dibling, who has impressed in the top-flight despite being just 19 years old. The Magpies are in the market for a winger, so Dibling would be a great long-term project for Eddie Howe.
While those two players remain linked with moves to Tyneside, here are three alternative players Newcastle should consider signing from the three relegated teams.
Ipswich Town – Omari Hutchinson
There is no doubt it has been a tough first full season in the Premier League for Omari Hutchinson.
The 21-year-old completed a permanent move to Ipswich following a successful loan spell at the Tractor Boys last season. However, it has not worked out as well for the former Chelsea man in the top flight. Three goals in 27 games show he can find the back of the net on occasion, but he needs a better team around him to find his full potential.
Following Ipswich’s relegation, Caught Offside have reported that Hutchinson is likely to leave the club this summer, with a move to the newly promoted Leeds United on the cards.
What makes Hutchinson an attractive prospect for Newcastle is his versatility. Howe is a big fan of players who can perform well in multiple positions, and Hutchinson fits the bill. Although he is predominantly an attacking midfielder, Hutchinson can play on either wing.
With Newcastle looking for more depth in attack, Hutchinson could prove to be a great player for the future.
Leicester City – James Justin
Under both Steve Cooper and Ruud van Nistelrooy, Leicester City were poor this season.
Newcastle put seven past the Foxes across both their Premier League meetings, where they barely had to get out of second gear.
One player who appeared in both of those games was James Justin. After the 4-0 defeat at St James’ Park, Justin admitted Anthony Gordon was too good against him as he struggled to contain the pacey winger.
Despite that, Justin would make a great alternative full-back for the Magpies. At 27, Justin still has a lot to give in his career, and he could look to revitalise it at Newcastle.
Justin can play on either side of defence, giving Howe more options to replace Lewis Hall or Tino Livramento should anything happen to them next season. As it stands, Kieran Trippier’s future remains unknown. Justin would make a good replacement for the 34-year-old.
Southampton – Taylor Harwood-Bellis
Because of how poor Southampton have been at the back, it feels wrong to include a defender in this list. However, Taylor Harwood-Bellis has been a rare flash of brilliance in a lacklustre Saints side.
At just 23 years old, there is a good chance that Hawood-Bellis could consistently be starting games for the England national team in the future, having received his first call-up to the squad under Lee Carsley.
Signing from Manchester City in 2024, Harwood-Bellis has already enjoyed a trophy-laden career, which includes two Carabao Cups, a Championship title from a loan spell with Burnley and the under-21s European Championship, which he won alongside Gordon in 2023.
Newcastle need a new centre-back given the ages of Dan Burn and Fabian Schar. The pair are in their 30s and the latter in particular does not have a younger replacement yet.
Geordie Boot Boys were recently told that Harwood-Bellis is on Newcastle’s radar, so this could be one to keep an eye on this summer.
The post Three relegated players Newcastle should sign instead of Liam Delap and Tyler Dibling - opinion appeared first on Geordie Boot Boys.