All around Newcastle United are currently in a state of shock, after the dismal campaign of 2015/16.

The campaign saw Newcastle relegated from the top flight for the first time since 2009; this sent shockwaves around English football as relegation was seemingly unthinkable at the start of August; as they had spent more than £50m on acquiring new talent before the season began.

It is undeniable that players will leave the club in this window as Benitez builds a squad ready for a gruelling Championship campaign. Some big earners at the club will move on, which would leave space for an influx of new players at the Tyneside club.

The 'Rafalution' has already seen players like Dwight Gayle, Matt Ritchie and Isaac Hayden arrive at the club in big money moves.. But what players already at the club could excel in the Sky Bet Championship and surprise some fans that have doubts about their ability?

In this article, Football League World writer Jack Sharp looks at THREE Newcastle players that could strike a surprise and perform next season for the Magpies'.....

 

Adam Armstrong

armstrong

Armstrong has been at Newcastle since 2006, turning professional at the club in 2014. However, Armstrong has only made 19 appearances for the club - and hasn't scored a goal as of yet for the Toon.

The England U19 International will be eager to prove to Benitez' that he is a capable player to lead the line with Dwight Gayle for the upcoming campaign; his loan spell at Coventry City last campaign would do no harm to that.

At Coventry, Armstrong scored a spectacular 20 league goals in 40 games, the 19-year-old will be hoping that now he is back he can replicate that form in a black and white shirt.

Massadio Haidara

Massadio Haidaraddd

Haidara has been at Newcastle since 2013, and has made 49 appearances for the club - however of late has been struggling with a knee injury.

There is no doubt that Haidara possesses the potential and quality to be an extremely good player, and he has shown that potential on many occasions; however he didn't get the chance to show his class during the last campaign - being restricted to making only 7 league appearances - he was ruled out from November with a knee injury.

Some people at Newcastle may have forgotten about the potential and ability possessed by the 23-year-old Frenchman; when he makes his return, he'll definitely be eager to show what he really can offer to the team.

Rolando Aarons

Rolando AaronsRolando Aaronsdd

Aarons joined Newcastle in 2014, however the talented 20-year-old has found it hard to breakthrough at the club due to some bad luck with injuries - missing a massive total of 48 games due to injuries during his time at the club.

Although he is incredibly injury prone, there is no denying the clear talent that Aarons possesses, the England U21 player has a wealth of power, pace and skill and has enough in his arsenal to frighten any Championship defence.

Now he is fit again, he will be eager to show that he can focus on knuckling down on the pitch, and hope to stay out of the treatment room.