Newcastle United became a huge draw for many players, as they were recently bought by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia. Their new owners have deep pockets and already splashed out in the January window, spending a reported $109 million. They signed Kieran Trippier, Chris Wood, Dan Burn, and threw $43 million on Bruno Guimares from Lyon. Now, they are even linked with Neymar, so we look at the Brazilian forward and three other superstars Newcastle can target in the summer transfer window.

Neymar and other Newcastle summer targets 

Neymar

We are obviously starting with the current PSG forward, Neymar. The Brazilian has had an up-and-down spell in Paris, with some great moments. However, the recent elimination in the Champions League, paired with one goal being partly his fault, and a reported near-brawl with teammate Gianluigi Donnarumma caused football outlets around the world to link Neymar with a departure from Le Parc des Princes. With their new owners looking to attract the best talent, a disgruntled superstar like Neymar might be the prime target for Newcastle.

He already had one major move to a club that got a rich owner, famously leaving Barcelona in 2017 to join PSG. Thus, it would not be strange to see the Brazilian on the move again, this time to Newcastle. Of course, Newcastle is a club that has battled relegation for the last few years, even dropping down to the Championship a couple of years back, so on the surface, it does not make much sense. However, with the right signing, the Magpies can have a squad that might be a top-six side next year, and Neymar would be the right place to start.

Paul Pogba 

Attacking threats are good, but what Newcastle really needs is a star in the middle. This season, the majority of minutes in central midfield were allocated to Joe Willock, Joelinton, and Jonjo Shelvey. Now, Willock and Joelinton are likely to be the future of the club, but the third-most minutes being given to Shelvey is not going to fly if they want to compete. Thus, bringing in Paul Pogba would be the best possible move at the time. It makes a ton of sense for a plethora of reasons.

Firstly, he would likely be a free transfer. Money is not an issue for the new owners of Newcastle, but it leaves the space and funds to get other players in the market.

Secondly, Pogba just needs space to operate and a team that has trust in him. Bringing him in and giving him minutes alongside Willock in the middle would be a fantastic way to get him his confidence back.

Finally, he is already accustomed to the English Premier League, so there should be no adjustment period. He would be ready to help from the get-go, and Newcastle would instantly be better with Pogba there.

Eden Hazard

Speaking of players who just need space and time, Hazard is a prime example of how confidence can turn a player from one of the best to a bench warmer. Hazard made his big-money move to Real Madrid, costing the Spanish club a fee of $127 million in 2019. Then, a series of injuries, paired up with being out of favor with both Zinedine Zidane and Carlo Ancelotti, caused Hazard to bag just six goals in 65 appearances for Real Madrid, a far cry from the 110 he scored in 352 appearances for Chelsea. Back in his beloved Premier League with Newcastle, Hazard could be at his best again.

Of course, he is a much different player now, but his playing style is more suited to the EPL than La Liga. His injuries likely caused him to lose a ton of speed, but what he has never lost was his low center of gravity, causing him to be more durable in tackles. With Newcastle, he could be that inside forward, playing ahead of the midfield and linking them with Allan Saint-Maximin and other attacking threats on the squad. He can also play a false nine, due to his ability to take contact, hold the ball, and connect all the moving parts. Hazard needs a switch-up, and Newcastle might be the path to go.

Jules Kounde 

Now, Kounde is not linked with Newcastle whatsoever. He has mostly been linked with Chelsea, as a potential move was close in January. However, with their money, Newcastle can come in and swoop the excellent Sevilla defender, one who is definitely going to have a great career, barring any major injuries. Since his inclusion into the Sevilla team, arriving from Bordeaux in 2019, he has been beyond great for the Andalusian club. They have the best defense in La Liga this year while having the second-best in Kounde's first year and third-best in his second year in Seville.

On the other hand, Newcastle has mightily struggled with defense for the last few years. They conceded 49 this year, which is only better than three teams in the Premier League this year. Thus, while most stars will be forwards and midfielders, they have to add one star defender.

Right now, it looks like the only truly available one will be Kounde. With the right money offer, Newcastle could beat out other teams, including Chelsea. As he is 23 and will be 24 when next season starts, whatever money is spent on the French defender would be money well spent in the long run.