Newcastle United performance director James Bunce, sporting director Paul Mitchell, chief executive officer Darren Eales and co-owner Jamie Rueben
Newcastle United's transfer business has had a false start but now that the window has reopened, their is a chance to finally put their foot to the floor.
Eddie Howe wanted 'speed' in terms of recruitment but the Magpies have missed out on a handful of early targets, including Liam Delap and Bryan Mbeumo.
With four key positions needing strengthened this summer, the race is on to try and tie up deals as quickly as possible. An immediate timeline sees sporting director Paul Mitchell set to leave the club at the end of the month and he will be keen to add a new face to the squad before he departs, having yet to make a senior signing in his time at the club.
With a goalkeeper, centre-half, right-winger and striker the positions being targeted, which one should Mitchell & Co make their priority? Our team of writers have their say.
Lee Ryder
It's got to be a new striker for me. I honestly think that Newcastle can get by without paying over the odds for a right winger.
That would be a slap in the face to Jacob Murphy who has just provided FOURTEEN assists during the season, while Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes are also capable of switching flank if needed. Are we not also forgetting that teenager Trevan Sanusi is on the books and ready to show what he can do in pre-season? He's still just 18 but able to play on either side.
Newcastle should have enough quality to get by without breaking the bank for a winger. And I haven't even pointed out that William Osula can also play out wide if called upon.
However, they'd be putting themselves in danger if they fail to add another striker. Joao Pedro would fit the bill, but he will be expensive, but as I have touched upon in previous Chronicle Live panels, he is ready to come in and do the job, so go for it.
Whether Callum Wilson leaves or not, Newcastle must face facts and see that Isak and the No 9 have not coped well with the rigours of a full season, and that's without Europe. Even if they are looking at a younger striker who is willing to step in and take their chance.
Newcastle seem well stocked on centre-backs and the goalkeeping department is packed to the rafters unless they can offload one or two glove men, that leaves a striker the priority in my opinion.
Ciaran Kelly
A game-changing forward, for me. In truth, Newcastle have needed another one for a while now. Jacob Murphy has just enjoyed the season of his life, but you can never have enough firepower and Newcastle can't rely on the 30-year-old as their only natural option on the right-hand side while fighting on four fronts next season.
Ideally, this player could also play up front, which would enable Newcastle to go big and cover two positions for the price of one. Then I would be looking at bringing in another quality centre-back before looking at other positions like a young goalkeeper
Aaron Stokes
There's only one position Newcastle United have not strengthened since the 2021 takeover and that is at right-wing. Jacob Murphy has manage to excel of late, however, which has negated the need for an immediate upgrade in that area of the pitch.
But if Newcastle really want to jump to the next level, they need to ensure the winger has competition for his starting spot, while Eddie Howe has additional selection options on the right of his attack that doesn't involve shifting Anthony Gordon or Harvey Barnes off the left flank.
A new central striker and a new centre-back also rank high on my ideal shopping list but a big-money, goalscoring attack on the right has long been the absolute priority in my eyes.
Ross Gregory
I hate to be that guy but I don't think one position is more of a priority than the others. They all need filled to some extent and you can make a case for each of the four areas of the squad being as important as each other.
With the exception of goalkeeper, perhaps. That one should be bottom of the pile. Not that it isn't somewhere that I think can be improved - a world class keeper who combines shot-stopping prowess with outstanding distribution can transform a team. Just look at Man City with Ederson, Liverpool with Alisson and PSG with Gianluigi Donnarumma. But it's not as vital this summer, for me.
A top-class centre half is a must, I think. Fabian Schar and Dan Burn are pushing mid-30s, Sven Botman's injuries are a concern and Jamaal Lascelles isn't Champions League quality. It feels like part of the squad that could creak terribly next season without an addition.
I get that Jacob Murphy has performed wonders on the right side but a new goalscoring winger is something that has to be addressed - it's the one area Newcastle haven't strengthened under Howe. It would take a lot of weight off Alexander Isak & Co. And speaking of which, the burden on the Swede, along with Callum Wilson's exit and Will Osula's rawness means a central striker has to be signed before September 1.
Push me to name one that I'd put at the top of the pile and I'd say a forward. If it has to be a right winger who can also play through the middle then great, but two would be ideal.
Stuart Jamieson
Perhaps it's easier to assess where Newcastle don't need to prioritise - starting with a goalkeeper. In my view, there is absolutely no need to spend millions replacing Nick Pope at this stage, it just doesn't make sense. And let's forget about a catch-all signing like Joao Pedro. Yes, he has play in multiple positions but United should be targetting specific players for specific roles.
A central defender feels like the main priority for me. As much as I admire Dan Burn and Fabian Schar, Newcastle cannot wait until time catches up on them before having replacements ready. It's a harsh reality, but like Tino Livramento and Kieran Trippier, the replacement must be already in the building.
Then there's nothing much to choose between a back-up striker, a right-sided forward and more midfield options. Eddie Howe must be able to rest Tonali, Isak, Murphy, Bruno etc without weakening the side, and at the moment that is far from the case.
Treasure a season to remember
Newcastle United's 2024-25 campaign has to rank as one of the best in living memory. Not only did Eddie Howe's side qualify for the Champions League by securing fifth place in the Premier League, but they ended their long wait for silverware by winning the Carabao Cup
Our special Chronicle end-of-season edition celebrates an incredible campaign for the Magpies, with in-depth analysis, ratings and interviews of a season to remember.
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