Newcastle United sealed the Championship title ahead of Brighton at the weekend, with Rafael Benitez’ side benefitting from Jack Grealish’s late equaliser for Aston Villa.
The Magpies had already secured an immediate return to the Premier League, with arch-rivals Sunderland set to be relegated, and entered the final weekend of the Championship campaign with a chance of winning the title- but they’d have to better Brighton’s result.
Benitez’ side did exactly that, defeating Barnsley 3-0 at St James Park, and the Tyneside outfit will now turn their sights on securing top-quality signings this summer in order to secure safety in the Premier League next season.
40 points will be the target for Newcastle as they seek to avoid the drop but, led by the experienced Benitez, the Magpies could push higher in the table and potentially lead a charge in the cup competitions.
Whilst it may take a few seasons for Newcastle to be truly competitive, this potential XI is bursting with attacking talent and could set the Premier League alight.
GK: Jordan Pickford
The recently-relegated Sunderland goalkeeper is attracting a lot of attention ahead of the summer and there has been suggestions of an incredible move that would see the England international move across the North East to Newcastle.
However, Rafael Benitez’ side face a huge test to land the goalkeeper’s services as he’s being linked with the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Everton and West Ham, as well as attracting a price-tag in excess of £25m.