The SPORTbible gave managerial legend Sam Allardyce the Newcastle United job on FM22 and a £200m budget. Here’s how he spent the cash…
The foundation of the team is traditionally considered the defence, but scarcely do you see a great team challenge for silverware without a world-class holding midfielder.
Manchester United are the perfect exactly of a star-studded side who have become completely imbalanced by their sub-par midfield of Fred and Scott McTominay.
Allardyce addressed Newcastle’s weakness in the middle of the park immediately by recruiting Declan Rice from West Ham for £95m, a real coup to begin his reign at St. James’ Park.
Though Rice would reinforce the Magpies in the midfield areas, goals win games, and Newcastle struggle to score them.
The former Everton manager decided to splash out to nab a talented attacking player from the Toffees in Dominic Calvert-Lewin, paying £38m plus £11.25m in add-ons for the privilege.
Recognising that Newcastle were in need of even further firepower, Divock Origi was drafted in from Liverpool for £14.25m.
Allardyce’s final three additions were all at the back. Only Norwich City have conceded more goals than the Geordie club in the Premier League this term.
Sam Johnstone was signed from West Brom for £6.75m, a shrewd addition to the squad at a bargain price.
Everton were raided again as Allardyce spent £18.5m on Seamus Coleman, a pretty hefty figure for a 33-year-old but valuable experience to have in the squad.
Last but by no means least was Kurt Zouma, who has starred for West Ham since signing for Chelsea. Allardyce paid £27.5 million plus an addition £5.75m to get the deal done.
What do you think? Did Allardyce spend the money wisely, or are Newcastle still getting relegated having invested £200m into the squad?
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