Key Highlights
- Xhaka has also chipped in with five crucial goal contributions. He has been a key catalyst behind the Black Cats being sixth in the table with 27 points.
- They are pretty much certain to avoid the drop, and they could qualify for Europe if they maintain their form. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementNick Woltemade – Stuttgart to Newcastle UnitedWoltemade was far down Newcastle’s target list last summer.
- After failing to sign Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko, they eventually purchased Woltemade, who scored just 12 goals in the Bundesliga last term. Questions were raised over the club-record £69 million price tag to sign him, but the German striker has proved a quality replacement for Alexander Isak, who left for Liverpool. Barring his forgettable own goal in the Tyne-Wear derby, he has been very good for Eddie Howe’s side. He has accumulated 10 goals and two assists in all competitions and could have a big role to play for the Magpies as they seek to qualify for the Champions League and win potential silverware. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHugo Ekitike – Eintracht Frankfurt to LiverpoolThe Frenchman chose to join the Reds from Eintracht after snubbing interest from Newcastle and Manchester United. There were suggestions that he could play second fiddle to Isak after the latter’s deadline-day arrival, but that has not been the case in recent months. The 23-year-old has netted 11 goals alongside one assist in 24 appearances.
- He has been in rich scoring form over the last three games with five goals. Ekitike has a prominent role to play as the main striker, with Isak ruled out for the next few months with an ankle fracture. Ekitike has put the Reds within goal difference of fourth-placed Chelsea in the standings.
- They have a good opportunity to return to the Champions League places, with winnable home matches against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leeds United coming up. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAnton Stach – Hoffenheim to Leeds UnitedThe 27-year-old signed for the Whites on their top-flight return from Hoffenheim for £17 million last summer. The German was relatively unknown, but has been one of Leeds’ best performers.