In recent years, attracting players to Newcastle United has become significantly easier, thanks to the ambitious vision set by the club’s new owners. While it took some time to establish their direction, the board, led by chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan, has made it clear that their goal is to make Newcastle a dominant force in all areas. Though the season began with some challenges, recent performances—highlighted by three consecutive wins—have underscored the solid foundations built by manager Eddie Howe during his tenure. Under Howe, the club has taken major strides, qualifying for the Champions League and reaching a cup final. While both ended in disappointment, these milestones represent a clear break from the underwhelming years of Mike Ashley’s ownership, when the club barely competed at the highest level.
For potential recruits, Newcastle’s ambition to consistently compete in the Champions League and challenge for major trophies, along with attractive wages, is an appealing prospect. But there’s another key factor that is drawing attention: the growing international recognition of the club’s players. This was especially evident when three Newcastle players—Lewis Hall, Tino Livramento, and Anthony Gordon—were included in England’s starting lineup during their 5-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland. Hall and Livramento earned their full debuts, while Gordon continued his strong form, scoring for England. This marked the first time in 27 years that three Newcastle players had started together for England, a feat not achieved since Rob Lee, David Batty, and Alan Shearer in 1997.
Since Eddie Howe took charge, several players have gained international recognition, reflecting the club’s rising status. Bruno Guimaraes, for example, has earned 28 caps for Brazil since his arrival in 2022, a notable increase from just three appearances before joining Newcastle. Similarly, Joelinton made his debut for Brazil in 2023, while Gordon has gone from being on the fringe of the England squad to becoming a regular starter. In stark contrast, under Mike Ashley’s ownership, Newcastle players earned just 11 caps for England over 14 years.
On The Monday Show, host Andrew Musgrove pointed out that Newcastle’s growing presence on the international stage is another powerful selling point for the club when it comes to attracting new talent. “It adds another dimension to Newcastle’s appeal,” Musgrove said. “While big wages, European football, and the chance to win trophies are key factors, knowing that playing for Newcastle can elevate you to international recognition is a major draw. We’ve seen it with Bruno, Joelinton, and Gordon—being part of a successful Newcastle team is putting players in the spotlight for their national teams.”
