The appointment of Steve McClaren is billed as the start of a new era at Newcastle United; one where Mike Ashley’s power as owner is greatly reduced and, in theory, results on the pitch start to improve. He’s also believed to have handed the new Magpies gaffer a rather sizable transfer budget for the summer.
But with player valuations seemingly escalating beyond reason with every passing transfer window, the Tyneside club may still find themselves a little constrained when it comes to making permanent acquisitions. After all, even Premier League new boys Bournemouth and Watford are beginning to splash the cash.
So in terms of cost-effectiveness, Newcastle may find a bit more luck in the loan market – especially if they follow our recommended signings list here at Football FanCast!
Some are ageing pros needing a new lease of life, others are young bucks trying to make a name for themselves and a few could do with simply a brief change of scene, but all are audacious loan signings the Magpies should attempt this summer.
MOUSA DEMBELE
Barring his first six months, Mousa Dembele has never quite hit the heights expected at Tottenham Hotspur, struggling to replicate his rip-roaring attacking displays that almost inspired a move to Manchester United in summer 2012.
But without doubt, the Belgium international is a supremely talented player. He’s powerful and energetic yet so graceful with the ball at his feet, blessed with the ability to turn defenders for fun when charging on the counter-attack.
It’s not worked out for the 27 year-old at White Hart Lane, though, and he’s now very much on the fringes of their squad, managing just 10 Premier League starts since the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino last summer.
Spurs aren’t exactly known for farming out senior players but with just two years remaining on his contract, a year on loan at Newcastle will give both Dembele and his club the chance to evaluate their options. And hopefully in the former’s case, rediscover the attacking form that once made him one of the Premier League’s biggest threats.
ADRIAN RAMOS
Things haven’t quite worked out for striker Adrian Ramos since moving to Borussia Dortmund from Hertha Berlin last summer, where he’d reached double figures in the Bundesliga from four out of five campaigns.
Indeed, the Colombian international netted just twice in 18 appearances and spent the vast majority of the season on the bench, in what was a particularly difficult year at Westfalen.
Ramos’ contract still doesn’t expire for another three years, however, so it seems unlikely he’ll want to give up his Dortmund salary after just a single season – which makes a loan move all the more likely.
Measuring in at 6 foot 1 and famed for his mix of power and pace, the 29 year-old seems like a good fit for the Premier League and particularly the direct style of play Newcastle adopted for much of last season.
He’s sidelined for the next few months with an ankle injury, however.
ADNAN JANUZAJ
He may not have proved it last season but Adnan Januzaj is still one of the most promising young talents in the Premier League.
Indeed, he’s yet to rekindle the explosion of quality that saw him net twice against Sunderland upon his first Premier League star, but there’s something about the way the 20 year-old winger manipulates the ball that suggests he’s got the pedigree to eventually develop into a world star.
That will undoubtedly require some consistent exposure at senior level, however, which is where Newcastle come in.
The Belgium international is believed to have already received some offers from abroad but his development would be far better aided by staying in the Premier League and getting as many top flight outings under his belt as possible.
If the Magpies are lucky enough, they might just catch the Red Devils prodigy upon his breakthrough season.
THOMAS VERMAELEN
It’s been a tough few years for Thomas Vermaelen, usurped from his starring role at Arsenal and managing just one competitive appearance for Barcelona since moving to the Nou Camp last summer.
Injuries have been a significant factor and there will be an understandable concern about signing a 29 year-old who hasn’t played regular football for the best part of two years.
But it wasn’t long ago the Belgium international held status as one of the top centre-halves in the Premier League, famed for his front-footed style, ability to attack the ball in the air and all-round athletic play.
With his Barcelona career seemingly as good as over already, it’s doubtful the European champions would put up much of a fuss if Newcastle tried to sign on loan Vermaelen this summer, even amid their transfer embargo.
The centre of defence has been a real problem area for the Magpies over the last few seasons, so an addition of the 6 foot centre-half’s experience and calibre could drastically improve their fortunes at the back.
MARIO BALOTELLI
Steve McClaren apparently isn’t too keen on Liverpool flop Mario Balotelli but I believe the ostracised Azzurri star could prove to be an incredibly astute signing for Newcastle.
No doubt, the 24 year-old comes with a lot of baggage – he was dubbed unmanageable by Jose Mourinho, has been sold by all of his former clubs under rather negative circumstances and is now reflecting upon what was an absolutely atrocious year at Anfield ( he’s netted just once in 16 Premier League appearances).
But Tyneside is hardly a rose garden at the moment, despite the recent change in management structure, and Newcastle have always been the type of club to embrace maverick cult heroes like the former Inter Milan and AC Milan star.
And let’s not forget, it wasn’t long ago Balotelli was considered to be one of the most exciting youngsters in Europe, lifting the 2010 Golden Boy award, helping fire Manchester City to their first Premier League title and romping opposition with a spate of world class goals at Euro 2012.
The chances of a renaissance at Anfield are somewhere between slim and none, so even if it’s just for one season, Liverpool will jump at the opportunity to get the 6 foot 2 striker off their books.