Newcastle United's head coach Eddie Howe
Newcastle United's head coach Eddie Howe
Newcastle United will have money to spend when the transfer window opens in June, with new faces expected at St James' Park this summer. After biding their time in recent windows, due to PSR and FFP restrications, the Magpies are ready to invest in the first team over the coming months.
Eddie Howe's squad may be celebrating Carabao Cup success and are looking to qualify for the Champions League for the second time in three seasons, but there will be no resting on laurels on Tyneside. With European football already guaranteed, Howe will need a robust squad capable of challenging on several fronts if they are to maintain their current high standards.
Add in the fact that several players could move on in the summer, and it makes for what could be an intriguing window. United have been linked with player in many position, from goalkeeper to centre-back, right-wing to striker, but nothing is off the table at this stage.
In the aftermath of United's Wembley success, we asked you for your verdict on the next steps for Howe and Co. The main focus was on the summer window, and where United need to strengthen. The message from the fans, who took to their streets in their hundreds of thousands on Saturday, was clear.
Of our thousands of responses, 39 per cent felt the forward line was the key area Newcastle must target. As things stand, Alexander Isak is Newcastle's outsfanding striker, with Callum Wilson playing a supporting role after recovering from more bad luck with injuries. Will Osula is developing but is seen as one for the future, and with Wilson's contract up this summer, there are concerns over back-up options for Isak.
Staying with the forward line, the wings are the next highest on the agenda, with 28 per cent wanting urgent attention in this department. Jacob Murphy has performed superbly on the right, but again, there is little in the way of alternative, particularly followign Miguel Almiron's exit in the winter window.
Centre-back remains a high priority, with 21 per cent advocating this position as the most in need of attention. Sven Botman is hoping for better luck with injuries next season, but with Fabian Schar and Dan Burn the wrong side of 30, it's an area which needs some investment for the future.
Where do NUFC need to strengthen in the summer?
Where do NUFC need to strengthen in the summer?
But don't think that this is in any way a slight on the current squad - more a signal of the big ambitons both the club and the fanbase hold. You need to look no further than our question on whether this was the greatest Newcastle team in the last 50 years. It was close, but the side of 2025 edged it - beating the likes of Keegan's Entertainers and Sir Bobby's Champions League outfit. They have, after all, won a trophy.
Is this the greatest NUFC team in the last 50 years
Is this the greatest NUFC team in the last 50 years
So what of their ambitions for the rest of the season? Again, the outlook is positive. A total of 70 per cent of the thousands who took our survey felt they will qualify for next season's Champions League, with 29 per cent thinking sixth or seventh will be the final league position - and only one per cent fearing a lower finish.
It'll be two and a half weeks since Wembley by the time United kick off against Brentford in Wednesday night's Premier League clash at St James' Park, with three of the next four games on home turf. Not that anyone is too concerned about a drop-off in standards, with 73 per cent not concerned about a potential post-Wembley slump.
Are you concerned about as potential slump in form after winning the Carabao Cup?
Are you concerned about as potential slump in form after winning the Carabao Cup?