Newcastle United had a 2022/23 season to remember, doing the unthinkable and qualifying for the Champions League.
Breaking into the top four was a remarkable achievement, and one that Newcastle fans did not think would be possible. Combine that with the run to the Carabao Cup final and really was an amazing season.
It has set the Magpies up for another special year on Tyneside, with Champions League nights set to return to St James’ Park. There is a huge amount of buzz from supporters ahead of the new season, although it is going to be very difficult to replicate what we have just done.
Newcastle absolutely deserved to be in the top four, but they were aided by some of the Premier League’s big clubs underperforming. Chelsea were nowhere near, Tottenham massively fell off the pace and Liverpool’s surge came too late in the day. That gave Eddie Howe an opportunity to capitalise, and he seized it with both hands.
Those clubs will be looking to oust Newcastle from the top four in 23/24, while there is also the additional threat of the Premier League’s other emerging forces.
Aston Villa and Brighton were both spectacular last season, and were the surprise packages behind Newcastle. They will look to continue improving, and Unai Emery’s side are making huge strides ahead in the transfer window.
Aston Villa set to sign Pau Torres
Aston Villa have enjoyed a slightly busier start to the summer transfer window than Newcastle. They have agreed a deal to sign Youri Tielemans on a free – someone who Newcastle opted against. But he is a talented player and should do well at Villa Park.
However, it is their second signing that should force Newcastle and the rest of the Premier League to stand up and take note.
They are set to sign Spanish centre-back Pau Torres from Villarreal for £35million. That is a sensational bit of business by Unai Emery’s side, and a massive statement of intent from a club that is looking to break into the top six just like Newcastle. He is someone who Toon fans wanted to see at St James’ Park when there was talk of Emery replacing Steve Bruce shortly after the takeover.
Getting Torres feels reminiscent to when we signed Sven Botman last summer. Both sides now have top class left-sided centre-backs, and the Spaniard massively enhances an ever-growing Villa side.
We saw how good they have become at the backend of last season. They did a job on us at Villa Park, winning 3-0. Howe’s side had no answer to them that day, and he will be wary of the threat they pose heading into the new season.
Newcastle have done amazingly well to become a Champions League team, but staying there is the real challenge. It is not just the ‘big six’ who want to take the Magpies’ place – the likes of Villa will challenge them too.
