Newcastle United's Transfer Woes: Potential XI for Liverpool
Newcastle United's transfer woes continue as Lewis Hall's potential departure to Manchester United leaves the Magpies with a depleted starting XI for their first match of the season against Liverpool. With key stars departing, Newcastle's new head coach Matthias Jaissle faces a tough challenge.
What happened?
Newcastle United have seen a number of key stars depart St James' Park this summer, including Bruno Guimaraes, who has been given permission to travel for a medical to sign for Arsenal after the clubs agreed a £75million fee. Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon have already left Newcastle, signing for Tottenham and Barcelona respectively.
Why it matters for Newcastle United
The Magpies are also dealing with several injuries this pre-season, including Tino Livramento's calf surgery, which could keep him out for the start of the Premier League season. If Hall, Guimaraes, and Murphy leave, then Newcastle would really be left in an embarrassing predicament to face Liverpool.
What comes next?
Newcastle's potential starting XI for Liverpool would be: Pope; Schar, Burn, Botman, Murphy; Miley, Joelinton, Willock; Elanga, Woltemade, Wissa. While the forward line could be argued to be a dependable strike force, the lack of experience at left-back and the loss of creativity in the middle of the park could point to an embarrassing start to the 2026/27 season.
League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 12th in Premier League, 49 pts, 14W-7D-17L from 38 games, recent form LWDWL.
Goals this season: 53 scored, 55 conceded (-2 goal difference). Title race: 36 points behind leaders Arsenal.
