Four Newcastle stars with point to prove to new owners in Tottenham clash

Newcastle legend Alan Shearer discusses the club takeover

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Newcastle United players will be under huge pressure to perform when they take to the field for the first time since their lucrative Saudi-led takeover was confirmed last week. Their newfound riches means that vast change is likely to be on the horizon, meaning those currently in the squad will have to up their game against Tottenham to avoid being replaced in the upcoming transfer windows.  

Express Sport takes a look at four players in particular who have a point to prove to the new faces watching on.

Callum Wilson

The Magpies’ star striker has missed the past four matches due to a thigh injury, so will naturally want to come back with a bang. 

Although the 29-year-old has proven himself to be prone to the occasional knock, his goal-scoring return has always been impressive and last season was no different. 

A total of 12 goals in 26 league outings is nothing to be scoffed at, and he managed two in his first three games this campaign before a spell on the side-lines. 

A marquee striker is exactly the kind of impact signing that Newcastle’s Saudi-backed consortium could be tempted to make, so Wilson will have to keep his foot on the gas when he returns to the side against Spurs. 

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Sean Longstaff

Without pulling up any trees, the Magpies academy product has been a solid campaigner for the club since he broke through in 2018. 

He may have to step it up a notch, however, if he is to keep his place in a side which is under ambitious new ownership. 

As it stands, the 23-year-old will be out of contract come the end of the season, and with their newfound riches behind them, earning a new one could bring with it significant rewards. 

If he is unable to do so, the likes of Everton are said to be keeping tabs on his situation, but staying at his boyhood club will surely be enough motivation to turn up on Sunday. 

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Federico Fernandez

One would have to think that club captain Jamaal Lascelles’ spot in the heart of defence is safe for the time being, but the same cannot be said for partner Fernandez. 

A four-year spell at Swansea City on his CV is proof that he can hold his own at Premier League level, although it is hardly a tell-tale sign that he can help catapult the Toon up the table. 

Having said that, an impressive 32-cap haul for the Argentine national team which he amassed many years ago suggests he could yet find an extra gear. 

With a contract that expires in 2023, Amanda Staveley and co. could be tempted to cash in sooner rather then later unless, of course, he can earn himself a new deal. 

Allan Saint-Maximin

The Frenchman has already shown that he has what it takes to play in a top Premier League side. 

His point to prove, therefore, should only determine how prominent his role can be in Newcastle’s progress going forward. 

If he continues to bamboozle opposition defenders and delight the St James’ Park crowd while producing numbers to boot, he could become the star that the Magpies are built around. 

There would be no better-timed statement of intent in that regard than to hit the ground running against Spurs. 

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