Newcastle: Malick Thiaw among three players who will thrive if Andoni Iraola deal agreed
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Football Insider or go back to LFC Live.
Credit: Imago Sun 12 April 2026 20:30, UK Newcastle United are reportedly considering the future of Eddie Howe this summer, with Andoni Iraola among the potential candidates to replace him.The Bournemouth manager will be without a club in the summer, with there having been no signs of the sides nearing an agreement on an extension.The 43-year-old has been transformative since his 2023 appointment at the Vitality Stadium, leading the Cherries to their best-ever points tally in the top flight last season, and he could still mark their best-ever finish next month.But Iraola remains likely to depart at the end of his contract, with the Magpies among the teams potentially looking for a new manager.Here, Football Insider looks at three players who could thrive under the potential next Newcastle manager. 👔 Newcastle Manager News 👔 Get the inside track on the St James’ Park dugout with real-time updates on shortlisted candidates, live betting market shifts, and key PIF boardroom decisions. VISIT THE MANAGER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Malick ThiawFormer Everton chief executive Keith Wyness exclusively told Football Insider last month that Thiaw could be sold this summer, amid the financial issues at St James’ Park.The Magpies will face a deficit if European football is not secured, and one or two big-name stars may have to be sacrificed.Malick ThiawPremier League 2025-26Appearances28Goals4Recoveries96Clearances158Blocks28Duels won143Should Iraola be appointed, however, Newcastle may well look to make sacrifices elsewhere.
The Spaniard is a specialist with defenders, having transformed several of them into big-money sales during his time at Bournemouth.Ilya Zabarnyi, Milos Kerkez and Dean Huijsen have all developed massively under Iraola before moving on for huge transfer fees, and James Hill could be next amid his breakthrough this season. Antoine Semenyo was unheard of in the Premier League three years ago, but has exploded under his, now former, manager.The Ghana international netted 13 goals across all competitions last summer, and completed a £64million move to Manchester City in January after a superb start to the season.
Semenyo has scored 18 goals this season so far, and now finds himself at the centre of Man City’s Premier League title hopes.Anthony Gordon is another player who has been linked with an exit this summer, but he also appears to be the right manager away from a new level.The winger has scored just six Premier League goals this season, but has netted 17 across all competitions and remains a force for Newcastle.Lewis MileyIf there is one thing clear about Iraola, it is that he has a clear ability to get the best out of young players. This campaign and the last have been disrupted by injury for the 19-year-old, but his talent remains unquestionable.Miley could be Iraola’s next big project, with the teenager holding all the tools to become a seriously exciting player.