Newcastle United complete £130m triple swoop – new-look starting XI vs Aston Villa
How Newcastle United Could Line Up for Their Premier League Opener Against Aston Villa
As the countdown to the 2025/26 Premier League season begins, Newcastle United fans are eager to see how Eddie Howe’s team will shape up when they kick off their campaign against Aston Villa on Saturday, August 16. After a relatively quiet start to the summer transfer window, the Magpies appear to be gaining momentum, with key transfer moves finally beginning to materialize.
For much of the off-season, manager Eddie Howe had been pushing for swift action in the market, particularly after a challenging 2024/25 season that highlighted the need for depth and reinforcement. However, Newcastle initially suffered a string of disappointments, missing out on several key targets. Promising striker Liam Delap chose a different project, while attacking options like Matheus Cunha, Joao Pedro, and Juventus loanee Dean Huijsen also slipped through the club’s fingers.
Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo was another high-profile name on the radar, but Newcastle were forced to back away after the winger’s wage demands exceeded their financial comfort zone—especially with the club’s current constraints under the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR). Mbeumo is now expected to complete a move to Manchester United instead.
The impact of PSR regulations on Newcastle has been widely reported, and fans have grown restless due to the lack of blockbuster arrivals since the club’s Saudi-led takeover. It’s been almost two years since Newcastle made a statement signing. However, optimism is now growing on Tyneside, with reports suggesting the club is close to sealing deals that could reshape their starting XI before the season begins.
Notably, Newcastle are on the verge of finalizing a £55 million move for Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga. Simultaneously, talks with Burnley over a transfer for highly-rated goalkeeper James Trafford are said to be progressing well. If both deals are completed, and potentially one more addition is made, the team’s lineup could feature a refreshed look when they host Aston Villa on opening day.
Projected Starting XI vs Aston Villa
Goalkeeper: James Trafford
The 21-year-old England U21 international was on Newcastle’s radar last year, but a proposed deal was derailed due to PSR complications involving Elliot Anderson’s move to Nottingham Forest. Now back on the agenda, Trafford looks set to finally secure his long-awaited move to St James’ Park. With Nick Pope struggling with form and fitness, Trafford could be trusted as the new No.1 between the sticks.
Right-Back: Tino Livramento
Despite persistent reports—most notably from Fabrizio Romano—linking Livramento with a possible move to Manchester City, Newcastle have no intention of letting the talented 22-year-old go. Livramento is seen as a long-term cornerstone of the defense and remains untouchable unless a truly massive offer arrives. His ability to overlap and defend one-on-one makes him a crucial piece of Howe’s backline.
Centre-Back: Leonardo Balerdi
The Magpies are reportedly exploring a £35 million move for Olympique Marseille captain Leonardo Balerdi. The Argentine defender brings leadership, consistency, and Champions League experience, having made over 160 appearances for the Ligue 1 outfit. His arrival would bolster a central defense that has suffered from inconsistency and injury in recent seasons.
Centre-Back: Sven Botman
Once hailed as one of the best signings of the Howe era, Botman’s influence has been curtailed by repeated knee injuries. If the Dutchman can return to full fitness, his composure and ball-playing ability will be essential in restoring defensive solidity. At his best, Botman is a guaranteed starter.
Left-Back: Lewis Hall
After undergoing foot surgery in March, Hall is steadily working his way back to fitness. The 20-year-old impressed in flashes last season and is widely tipped to break into the England setup in the near future. With a full pre-season under his belt, he’s expected to make the left-back role his own in the coming campaign.
Central Midfield: Sandro Tonali
Having settled into the deeper-lying No.6 role since December, Tonali has quietly transformed Newcastle’s midfield. The Italian’s passing range, defensive intelligence, and calmness under pressure have given Howe’s side more control in central areas. With a full season in England behind him, Tonali will be aiming to assert even more influence.
Central Midfield: Bruno Guimarães
Bruno’s impact on and off the pitch has been immense. Appointed club captain last summer, he led the team to their first domestic silverware in seven decades. A vocal leader with incredible technique and vision, Guimarães remains the heartbeat of the side. Keeping him at the club amid reported interest from top European sides will be vital to Newcastle’s hopes this season.
Central Midfield: Joelinton
The Brazilian enforcer adds steel and energy to the midfield. His aggressive style and relentless pressing make him a unique asset. Newcastle noticeably lack physicality when Joelinton is absent, and his return to fitness will be a welcome boost for Howe’s midfield trio.
Right Wing: Anthony Elanga
Assuming the deal goes through, Elanga would add blistering pace and directness to Newcastle’s attack. The Swedish international had a breakout campaign with Forest, notching 18 goal contributions. While the reported £60 million fee may raise eyebrows, Elanga fits the profile Howe desires: young, hungry, and Premier League-proven. He’ll compete with Jacob Murphy for a starting role but likely edges ahead in terms of dynamism.
Left Wing: Anthony Gordon
Gordon endured a mixed end to the previous season, but his overall contribution shouldn’t be forgotten. Voted Newcastle’s Player of the Year, the former Everton man brings flair, drive, and goals. Still only 24, he’s expected to play a central role in Newcastle’s ambitions going forward.
Striker: Alexander Isak
Rumors of interest from Liverpool refuse to go away, but Newcastle have no plans to sell their star forward. The Swede was a standout performer last season and is firmly seen as the man to lead the line. Unless a record-breaking offer lands at the club’s doorstep, Isak will be staying put and spearheading the attack.
—
Final Thoughts
If Newcastle can complete the Elanga and Trafford deals—and perhaps make one more clever addition—the team could take the field in August with renewed confidence and balance. While PSR restrictions have limited their movements in the past, this summer window may mark the beginning of a new chapter for the Magpies. Eddie Howe’s side will be eager to bounce back, and with the right pieces in place, they could once again be pushing for European football.