Newcastle Squad in Shambles

By Brian Lofrumento | 26th May 2009

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newcastle-protestors I never thought I’d see it in my lifetime, but Newcastle United has been relegated to the Coca Cola Championship. Just like the downfall of Leeds not too long ago, Premier League clubs are licking their lips at the prospect of another firesale. Some top class players will be leaving St. James’ Park over the course of the next few months, and here we’ll take a look at the best of the best Newcastle has to offer.

Michael Owen

Without a doubt the biggest name that will leave Newcastle United, Michael Owen can expect to have a long list of suitors willing to pay his high wages. At 29 years of age this next move will determine the rest of his career – another move to a struggling side will all but mean his career is history, but one last move to a bigger club could revive Owen’s career. A side like Everton would be wise to sign England’s former bright star, as he has proven that he can score goals when healthy. If he can’t stay healthy, Louis Saha would have a great chance to make a new friend. Aston Villa have been in for the striker in the past, but don’t rule out a cheeky move from any of the big four.

Obafemi Martins

Another striker that will be leaving the northeast, Obafemi Martins is perhaps the most exciting prospect for England’s top clubs. Still only 24 years young (although that is heavily scrutinized), Oba still has many years at the highest level in front of him. Fast, quick, and a great finisher, Martins would suit almost all clubs in the Premiership and abroad. If he chooses to stay in England, I can see a top four side snatching him up before any of the other clubs even get a sniff. Martins would probably be a great fit at a club like Arsenal, where the ball gets sprayed around quickly and efficiently.

Kevin Nolan

Football is a funny old game, and at the moment no one understands that better than Kevin Nolan. Bolton’s captain and talented midfielder transferred to Newcastle January in hopes of tasting a bit of success at a big club. Instead, Nolan now finds himself on a Championship side, as his former Bolton Wanderers teammates look down and laugh. There’s no doubting Nolan’s abilities, and at 26 years of age he still has a legitimate shot at notching up some England caps. Nolan could slot into almost all Premiership clubs outside of the big four, and a club like Fulham would suit him nicely.

Alan Smith

This is a tough one to call, as Smudger has been in this position before. When Leeds capitulated in 2004, Alan Smith joined the other stars and found pastures new. Now, after a career threatening injury and a position change, Smith is not quite the player he used to be. Still, his passion gives him a valuable asset that many lower Premiership sides crave. Who knows, perhaps a move to Hull could spark fire into Phil Brown’s team again? Expect to see Smith back in the Premier League come August.

Jonas Gutierrez

The man nicknamed Spiderman has had a rollercoaster of a first season in England, and now he finds himself on the outside looking in at the world’s greatest league. The Argentine midfielder impressed in his Premiership debut against Manchester United, and many clubs in the top flight could use his trickery on the flanks. Gutierrez will want to get away from the Championship as fast as he can, but where he will end up is anyone’s guess. Something tells me he may be leaving England…

Joey Barton

Barton was hands down Newcastle’s most honest and consistent player during this season, and if more players could act like him then Newcastle wouldn’t find themselves in this position. Only kidding… It will be interesting to see where football’s biggest thug ends up, but I can’t imagine him settling for Championship football next season. This is a man that thinks he’s a worldclass footballer, so I’m sure he’ll want a move to a Premier League club immediately. The question is, who wants him?

Cacapa

While the Brazilian defender may not have set the world alight in his first season at St. James’ Park, few question his defensive prowess. This is a man that was the rock of so many Lyon league titles, but at 32 years of age a final move will determine where he ends his career. Perhaps the giant Brazilian will want to retire in the land of drunken footballing legends like Ronaldo, but few think he’ll picture battles against Derby County as a glorious retirement.

Fabricio Coloccini

Coloccini was thinking of the future when he transferred from Deportivo to Newcastle over the summer, and he’ll have to do the same once again this summer. There is no way that Newcastle will be able to afford his wages in the Championship, so the Argentine defender will be much sought after by some of Europe’s top clubs this summer. His experience speaks for itself, and at 27 years old he could be entering the best years of his career. Newcastle is certainly not where his heart is.

Who will be leaving Newcastle? Where would these players fit? Have your say in the comments section below!

Sharaf says:

May 31, 2009 at 8:31 am

Michael Owen one if the best strikers over the world.so he got to do a wise behavour that suits with his ranking,besides liverpool is lookingfor his servieces, Michael can revive if he keep on fitness and health

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Zain Alvi says:

May 26, 2009 at 5:25 pm

Great article, Brian! You have pretty much all the big names and I feel Mark Viduka is also very uncertain about staying in England, let alone playing in the Championship with Newcastle. If Shearer stays, then I expect other Geordies such as Steven Taylor and Andy Carroll staying as well. When Juve went down, their big locals (Del Piero, Buffon) committed to the club’s cause and I am sure some of Newcastle’s locals would do the same. But then again, these local guys aren’t exactly big names as your article addresses.

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