The key new signing characteristics that will help keep Newcastle United in the Premier League
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Kieran Trippier
A player of Kieran Trippier’s quality should never be at a club fighting to avoid relegation while he is still in the prime of his career.
Newcastle signing the England right-back was arguably the coup of the transfer window and he hasn’t disappointed so far.
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Hide AdA Rolls Royce option at right-back and a real creative influence with his ability to pick out a pass and consistently deliver quality balls into the box.
His impressive aerial ability is also something that gets overlooked given his stature.
He’s strong in and out of possession, has demonstrated real leadership qualities already and is defensively sound. Newcastle realistically couldn’t have done any better in this department.
Chris Wood
Wood’s arrival was a pragmatic and necessary one given Newcastle’s predicament in attack. A solid goalscorer at Premier League level, Wood boasts impressive aerial ability and makes life difficult for defenders.
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Hide AdHe’s a focal point in a time where The Magpies need some identity going forward.
He is still finding his feet on Tyneside and has been a bit rough around the edges when it comes to holding onto the ball and linking play up.
£25million is a lot of money for a 30-year-old but it will be seen as a good investment if he can score goals to help Newcastle stay in the league.
Bruno Guimaraes
A real marquee signing for Newcastle as they secured the Brazilian’s signature despite some interest from some top European clubs.
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Hide AdGuimaraes, like Trippier, could start in almost any Premier League side. His range of passing is impressive and his movement for a defensive midfielder could prove beneficial for Newcastle in an attacking sense.
He’s one of Europe’s elite forward passers and is very strong when it comes to playing through balls which is bound to benefit United’s pacy players like Allan Saint-Maximin and Ryan Fraser.
The 24-year-old will also provide good cover in front of the defence as he enjoys a tackle, though could be prone to conceding free-kicks upon switching to the faster pace of the Premier League.
But he undoubtedly strengthens Newcastle significantly in the middle of the park.
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Hide AdMatt Targett
Could prove to be a shrewd piece of business for Newcastle. Targett is a solid all around performer and a dependable presence at left-back – exactly what you need in a relegation battle.
He played every Premier League match for Aston Villa last season and was named player’s player.
Targett is good in the air, tidy in possession and keeps things simple which should balance things out quite nicely with Saint-Maximin given license to express himself down the left flank.
Dan Burn
It should come as no surprise that 6ft 7in centre-back Dan Burn is strong in the air but he also has good feet for a big man should Newcastle look to play it out from the back.
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Hide AdThe fact he’s a Newcastle fan who knows the area also bodes well when it comes to seamlessly slotting into the side.
Crucially, Burn is an improvement on what Newcastle had at the back and again brings that Premier League experience and quality that will boost The Magpies’ survival hopes.