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Newcastle United FC

There is no doubt that, of all the 20 Premier League clubs, Newcastle United FC have had the most difficult summer with Geordie legend Alan Shearer describing the failure to agree a new contract with manager Rafa Benitez as a “shambles.”

The former Liverpool FC boss left St James' Park after three seasons at the helm to take up a new role in China with Dalian Yifang FC. The appointment of Steve Bruce, who quit Sheffield Wednesday FC to take up the position, to replace Rafa has not proved universally popular on Tyneside despite his local links.
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While Newcastle United FC's managerial issue was being resolved the departures of last season's strike partnership of Ayoze Perez (to Leicester City FC) and Salomon Rondon (who was on loan and returned to West Bromwich Albion FC before being signed by Benitez for Dalian Yifang FC) added to the problems Bruce must resolve.

Perez was Newcastle United FC's leading goalscorer during the previous two seasons as the Magpies finished 10th and 13th following their return to the Premier League, and Bruce must now hope that Brazilian frontman Joelinton, a club-record signing from TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, can make a goalscoring impact.