adminNewcastle United begin the 2026/27 Premier League season with a high-profile home clash against Liverpool at St James’ Park on Sunday, August 23, with kick-off scheduled for 4:30pm BST.
Matthias Jaissle will take charge of Newcastle in a competitive fixture for the first time following a summer of significant change at the club.
Newcastle have strengthened their squad with the signing of defender Amar Dedic from Benfica, while Tino Livramento remains doubtful after recovering from an injury sustained on international duty.
The Magpies also enter the new campaign unbeaten in their last four Premier League opening-day fixtures.
However, there are already questions surrounding the squad following the departures of several key players.
Speaking on talkSPORT, the discussion centred on the difficult situation inherited by Jaissle.
> “I have sympathy for Jaissle, David. He has inherited a very difficult situation.”
Another view was more critical of last season’s squad:
> “Those players failed us last season. Hence why we finished 12th.”
The response acknowledged that some key players had underperformed but questioned whether Newcastle had adequately replaced them:
> “Yeah, there were times last season when the likes of Gordon and Tonali didn’t perform. I can’t argue with that and, as you say, they finished 12th for a reason. But in terms of pedigree, to remove them and not replace them is the concern.”
There has also been criticism of the suggestion that Newcastle have not replaced the players who departed this summer.
> “So Touré is not replacing Gordon? Bamba is not replacing Tonali? Stop gaslighting the situation. The club is in this position because your five signings last summer were liabilities last season and now as well.”
One player attracting particular attention during pre-season is Ivorian winger Bazoumana Touré.
Touré has impressed with his direct style, pace and aggression, while also showing his ability to deliver dangerous crosses and create opportunities for his teammates. He provided a quick through ball for Osula during Newcastle’s latest outing.
> “Direct, fast, puts himself about and does things quickly, delivering some wicked crosses and one quick through ball into Osula today.”
> “I think he’ll be a hit at Newcastle and a success in the Premier League.”
His performances have already generated plenty of optimism around his potential impact.
> “I like him already. He will be key to our season.”
Another assessment was equally positive:
> “We love a player like him. We can already see his positive attributes.”
With the new Premier League season about to begin, all eyes will be on Jaissle and how quickly he can mould Newcastle’s reshaped squad into a competitive side.
Abdulhafiz Teslim
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