As a new decade began, the global pandemic continued and had an impact the whole 2020/21 season, with all but two Premier League matches played behind closed doors. Callum Wilson joined the club in summer 2020 and the centre forward was a big success, while the following campaign proved to be a landmark one for United.
Historical eras. 2021-Present
Resilience in a Pandemic Era
Resilience in a Pandemic Era
A New Era Begins
A New Era Begins
After a difficult start to the following 2021/22 campaign, the Magpies were very much in a relegation fight and went into October without a win in the Premier League. But that month, news broke that new owners – the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, PCP Capital Partners and the Reuben Brothers – had bought the club from Mike Ashley, sparking jubilation and fresh hope on Tyneside. Work on and off the pitch began immediately, with Steve Bruce departing to be replaced by ex-Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe. He had much to do, but the New Year of 2022 brought a new Newcastle United.
New Talent Arrives
New Talent Arrives
The January transfer window was a vital one, with the arrival of England defender Kieran Trippier, Blyth-raised centre back Dan Burn and Brazilian international Bruno Guimarães. Joelinton, meanwhile – under Howe’s tutelage – was by now a revelation in midfield. The famed atmosphere and matchday buzz at St. James’ Park returned as Howe led the Magpies to 11th place, achieving safety with room to spare.
The Renaissance
The Renaissance
The 2022/23 season was a hugely memorable one as the club's renaissance continued. Alexander Isak, Sven Botman and Nick Pope were among the summer arrivals and the Magpies played free-flowing, front-foot football. A run in the Carabao Cup took the club all the way to the final of the competition for the first time since 1976. Although the Wembley meeting against Manchester United ended in defeat, United qualified for UEFA Champions League football for the first time in 20 years, finishing fourth after a tremendous campaign.
A PSG victory
A PSG victory
A mouth-watering Champions League draw followed in 2023/24, with AC Milan first up at San Siro followed by clashes with Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund. The high point was a wonderful evening against PSG on Tyneside, which ended in a scintillating 4-1 victory thanks to goals from Miguel Almirón, Burn, Sean Longstaff and Fabian Schär. Injuries had an effect on Howe’s side’s progress, and despite being handed daunting cup draws in both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, they still reached the quarter-finals in both. But for a highly-contentious late penalty in Paris, they could well have progressed to the next phase of the Champions League too.