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After nearly a year and a half of complications, complaints and legal cases, Newcastle United has finally been taken over by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF).
The estimated £300 million pound takeover bid is all but confirmed, with the unpopular Mike Ashley finally exiting Newcastle. Their fortunes have now dramatically turned around, now being backed by the richest owners in all of world football
A storied history combined with a feverishly passionate fan base put Newcastle in prime position to challenge for the Premier League title and perhaps even further. Here are
5 statement signings that Newcastle United could make to announce their rebrand
#5 Kalidou Koulibaly
Newcastle United have been notorious for their unreliable form at the back over their current top flight spell. This is despite the pragmatic tactics of Rafa Benitez and Steve Bruce. Whilst club captain Jamal Lascalles is a shoe in, Newcastle will need some resolve and determination at the center of defense.
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The vastly experienced and remarkably blessed Kalidou Koulibaly could be the perfect transformative signing. The Senagalese center-back has been a powerhouse in his now seven-year spell at Napoli, proving to be imperious in the air and intercepting stray passes.
Still only 30, Koulibaly has plenty left to offer as one of the elite center-backs in world football. Despite the biggest clubs in Europe approaching, he has stayed at Napoli. It might be the perfect time to switch, with the new Newcastle owners capable of accepting Napoli's hard bargain.
#4 Gareth Bale
Many would argue Gareth Bale's best years are behind him. But the Welshman had a surprisingly strong impact on his loan move to Tottenham Hotspur towards the end of last season. He scored 16 goals in just 34 appearances for the North Londoners.
Real Madrid hope that their expensive asset will deliver to his maximum ability. But he has once again been sidelined with injuries, making just three appearances this season. His Real Madrid chapter is almost certainly coming to an acrimonious and expensive end this year.
When fit and happy, Bale is one of the most lethal inside forwards of his generation and a global superstar in the game. He is a multi-time Champions League winner with a certifiable pedigree. If they sign Bale, it would be an immediate announcement of Newcastle United's desire to attract the very best in the world to Tyneside.
#3 Paulo Dybala
Paulo Dybala has long been touted as the next Argentinean football prodigy. Despite being an integral part of Juventus' dominance domestically, Dybala has seemingly drifted away from the Juventus spotlight over the last few seasons. With recent contract talks stalling and incompete at the moment, the fact that an elite player is available on the market for free would excite Newcastle.
A combination of injuries and poor form has led to his stock falling slightly, with the 27-year-old seeming to be struggling to rediscover his best form. He generally operates in a wide inside-forward position. But there are many who believe that the center-forward role would bring out the best in Dybala due to his natural poacher instincts. Additionally, his direct dribbling ability would compliment Newcastle's fast and direct attack.
At Juventus, with Federico Chiesa's rapid rise, Dybala may be tempted to look at a smart Newcastle United offer in order to re-establish his star in England.
#2 Eden Hazard
Belgian maestro Eden Hazard has had a torrid time at Real Madrid. A combination of poor form, fitness and fluency has drastically hindered his career progression. At Chelsea, the two-time PFA Player of the Year was a wizardly talent, filled with tricks and turns.
An adept dribbler and lethal counterattacker, his attacking partnerships and fluency with the likes of Allan Saint-Maximin could be some eyewatering football.
A return to the Premier League could tempt Eden Hazard, having enjoyed much of his prime in England. Newcastle United could identify him as the mercurial talent that the club needs in their journey from mid-table obscurity, to the top.
#1 Raheem Sterling
The enigmatic Raheem Sterling seems out of favour at Manchester City, despite having the trust of Pep Guardiola last season. This is even after he had a superb return to form with three goals and an assist with England at Euro 2020.
Once again Sterling finds himself out in the blue at Manchester City and may look to better pastures to play on. At still only 26 years old, he already has close to a decade of experience in the English top flight. He is the perfect type of English superstar talent to represent a statement signing, much like Robinho's transfer to Manchester City.
