For a bit of fun, we've used the latest edition of Football Manager to travel five years into the future, and taken a look at how Newcastle United' s side shapes up. This is how the management simulator predicts the Magpies will be lining up in January 2026.
17. Sub 6: Alexandru Cicaldau
The slick-passing Romanian, worth £20m, has been a bit of a flop since his recent move to the club, but has the potential to eventually adapt to the Premier League. Photo: ISABELLA BONOTTO
18. Sub 7: Indiana Vassilev
The ex-Aston Villa starlet has spent much of his two-year spell with Newcastle out on loan, but is now set to break into the first team after a series of injuries opened the doorway. Photo: Richard Heathcote
19. Manager: Jon Dahl Tomasson
Steve Bruce, quite extraordinarily, resigned to take the England job in late 2021. Roberto Martinez had a year-long stint, before the Danish coach took the helm. He plays adventurous, vertical tiki-taka football. Photo: RONNY HARTMANN