Newcastle United are back in the Champions League but now the hard work really begins.
The Premier League season finally came to an end on Sunday and Newcastle United finished it in a Champions League place, but only just.
Eddie Howe’s side were lacklustre in defeat to Everton on the final day, but were saved by Manchester United as they controversially beat Aston Villa.
Villa saw Morgan Rogers’ goal incorrectly disallowed with VAR unable to intervene due to the referee blowing early. Former Sunderland man Amad Diallo then put the Reds ahead before they won 2-0.
Dan Burn was left in disbelief that Man Utd had done Newcastle a favour and ensured they will return to the Champions League next season.
Newcastle will be competing in a new look Champions League, though, with eight guaranteed games instead of six.
Bruno Guimaraes has already warned that signings must be made to cope with the extra burden after Newcastle struggled to do so last time.
A huge summer transfer window is in store but one significant addition could be made for absolutely nothing in the shape of Jamie Vardy.
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
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Jamie Vardy is a free agent, Newcastle United should take advantage
As was confirmed weeks before the season concluded, Vardy will leave Leicester City after 13 years when his contract expires this summer.
Signed for £1m from non-league, Vardy might go down as one of the best signings in history and a certified Premier League icon after firing the Foxes to an unlikely title triumph.
Vardy finished his glorious stint at the King Power with 200 goals in 500 games and is now looking for a new challenge.
He might be 38, but he hasn’t given up on playing top-level football yet and Newcastle should seriously consider signing him.
Why Newcastle United should sign Jamie Vardy on free transfer
Jamie Vardy still scores goals, a quality option from the bench
Vardy has scored goals throughout his career and is continuing to do so even when touching 40.
The hitman bagged nine Premier League strikes last term as Leicester were relegated, which is a decent return before you even consider the team he was playing in.
Leicester were atrocious for all of the campaign and even went eight games without scoring. Yet, Vardy still managed to score more than most players.
His goals equate to 27.8% of the 33 Leicester managed. The same rate at St. James’ Park would have seen him bag 18 times.
No one is saying Vardy should be signed to be first choice, but what an excellent option he would be off the bench if things are tight or to fill in for Alexander Isak when he’s injured.
Vardy would certainly be a much better option than Will Osula or Callum Wilson, who may yet stay at Newcastle.
Newcastle United need experience and strength in depth
Next season is going to be gruelling. Newcastle know that already, after they struggled to juggle European and domestic competition in 2023-24. This time it will be even harder.
Newcastle only qualified by the skin of their teeth in the end, staggering over the line as injuries mounted up in the end. Howe’s squad was hardly strong enough for this season, so it needs a lot of improvement.
Vardy would do that without demanding a starting berth, while also providing a tonne of experience.
Kieran Trippier’s canniness came in vital this past campaign and Vardy has that in spades.
Jamie Vardy wouldn’t cost a penny
Newcastle may have more money to spend this summer after a fallow year but there are still restrictions.
PSR rules limit wild spending, meaning it’s more important than ever that the money that is spent is done so wisely on the most important positions.
Newcastle need a striker but not as much as a goalkeeper, centre-back, winger and midfielder. There’s no point in spending money on a striker who will pay second fiddle to Isak.
But Vardy would bring all his qualities without costing a penny in transfer fees. It’s a no-lose signing.