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Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Report: Newcastle Utd face £150M decision over top scorer's future
Player push sparks £150M transfer dilemma for Newcastle Utd Newcastle United's summer strategy faces a significant test amid growing uncertainty surrounding their star forward, who has made clear his desire to explore options elsewhere. The player in question has not travelled with the squad for their pre-season tour of Singapore and South Korea, officially due to a minor thigh complaint. However, senior figures at Newcastle are aware of his inclination to consider a move in the current transfer window. With three years remaining on his existing contract, the club is under no immediate pressure to sell. Talks had been expected this summer over a potential new deal, with Chief Executive Darren Eales indicating earlier in the year that negotiations would be addressed once the season concluded. At present, those discussions have not materialised. Despite the player's current stance, Newcastle's preference is to retain him and reopen talks on an extension. If needed, a transfer could be revisited in 2026. Liverpool interest adds weight to potential £150M record deal Interest from Liverpool has intensified in recent weeks, with the Premier League giants exploring the possibility of submitting a British record bid, understood to be in the region of £150M. Such a figure would surpass the £116M Liverpool recently paid for Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz, underlining their ambition in the transfer market under new manager Arne Slot. While Newcastle are reluctant to lose their leading scorer, they recognise that any bid close to £150M — combined with the player's own willingness to move — could compel them to enter negotiations. Howe's plans unsettled as forward stays behind Eddie Howe's preparations have been disrupted by the ongoing uncertainty. The forward did not feature in Newcastle's recent 4-0 defeat against Celtic and was granted leave to return home. Officially, this was attributed to managing his recovery, but sources suggest the decision also took into account the speculation surrounding his future. Howe indicated post-match that he expected the player to rejoin the group during the Asia tour. However, that now appears unlikely as the situation remains unresolved. The forward has scored 62 goals in 109 appearances for the club and has become a pivotal figure under Howe, whose coaching has elevated him to among the most in-demand attacking players in Europe. Contract strength may yet shift Newcastle's stance While Newcastle remain firm in their stance to retain the forward, their contractual position gives them leverage. They are not under financial pressure to sell, and any transfer would have to be on their terms — both in valuation and timing. Should a suitable offer materialise and the player continue to push for a move, the situation could develop rapidly in the final weeks of the window. For now, Newcastle remain calm but are aware that circumstances may force a decision sooner than they'd prefer.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Report: Newcastle Utd face £150M decision over top scorer's future
Player push sparks £150M transfer dilemma for Newcastle Utd Newcastle United's summer strategy faces a significant test amid growing uncertainty surrounding their star forward, who has made clear his desire to explore options elsewhere. The player in question has not travelled with the squad for their pre-season tour of Singapore and South Korea, officially due to a minor thigh complaint. However, senior figures at Newcastle are aware of his inclination to consider a move in the current transfer window. With three years remaining on his existing contract, the club is under no immediate pressure to sell. Talks had been expected this summer over a potential new deal, with Chief Executive Darren Eales indicating earlier in the year that negotiations would be addressed once the season concluded. At present, those discussions have not materialised. Despite the player's current stance, Newcastle's preference is to retain him and reopen talks on an extension. If needed, a transfer could be revisited in 2026. Liverpool interest adds weight to potential £150M record deal Interest from Liverpool has intensified in recent weeks, with the Premier League giants exploring the possibility of submitting a British record bid, understood to be in the region of £150M. Such a figure would surpass the £116M Liverpool recently paid for Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz, underlining their ambition in the transfer market under new manager Arne Slot. While Newcastle are reluctant to lose their leading scorer, they recognise that any bid close to £150M — combined with the player's own willingness to move — could compel them to enter negotiations. Howe's plans unsettled as forward stays behind Eddie Howe's preparations have been disrupted by the ongoing uncertainty. The forward did not feature in Newcastle's recent 4-0 defeat against Celtic and was granted leave to return home. Officially, this was attributed to managing his recovery, but sources suggest the decision also took into account the speculation surrounding his future. Howe indicated post-match that he expected the player to rejoin the group during the Asia tour. However, that now appears unlikely as the situation remains unresolved. The forward has scored 62 goals in 109 appearances for the club and has become a pivotal figure under Howe, whose coaching has elevated him to among the most in-demand attacking players in Europe. Contract strength may yet shift Newcastle's stance While Newcastle remain firm in their stance to retain the forward, their contractual position gives them leverage. They are not under financial pressure to sell, and any transfer would have to be on their terms — both in valuation and timing. Should a suitable offer materialise and the player continue to push for a move, the situation could develop rapidly in the final weeks of the window. For now, Newcastle remain calm but are aware that circumstances may force a decision sooner than they'd prefer.
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Newcastle United reap rewards after Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool transfer snub
Newcastle United beat Liverpool to the signing of Alexander Isak - and the Magpies have no plans to sell their star striker to the champions. Isak still has three years left on his contract, which puts Newcastle in a strong position, and the black-and-whites intend to hold talks with the Sweden international and his camp about fresh terms. Advertisement That has not stopped Isak being linked with Liverpool, but Newcastle are not 'under the gun' to sell such a key player and CEO Darren Eales previously stressed it would be 'crazy' for the club to even consider doing so. READ MORE: Next Anthony Elanga transfer steps emerge as Newcastle United 'told' £50m is enough READ MORE: Newcastle United and Aston Villa's rivals miss 'hidden' twist after paranoid votes Isak, after all, has firmly established himself as Newcastle's talisman since completing a club-record move from Real Sociedad in 2022. Isak had previously been watched by clubs across Europe, but it was Newcastle who were prepared to break their transfer record to sign the striker - even after he scored just six league goals in his final full season at Real Sociedad. Advertisement Jurgen Klopp, in contrast, plumped to pay more for Darwin Nunez and Ian Graham, who was Liverpool's director of research at the time, has now explained why. "In 2022, he signed Darwin Nunez [for £70m plus add-ons] instead of Alexander Isak," he told the Financial Times. "Both players, if you look at top young centre-forwards in Europe, they would be number one and two - or two and three but [Erling] Haaland was going to [Manchester] City and out of our price range. "Jurgen preferred Nunez. It would be very churlish of me to say, 'It's terrible that Jurgen had his choice' when in the past Jurgen had been persuaded by me and my colleagues of a different choice. Advertisement "And it was still the case that we signed good players - in Nunez's case, one of the best young strikers in Europe." Here at ChronicleLive, we are dedicated to bringing you the best Newcastle United coverage and analysis. Make sure you don't miss out on the latest NUFC news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe. You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day's biggest stories. And, finally, if you would rather listen to our expert analysis then make sure to check out our Everything is Black and White podcast. Our shows are available on all podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and you can also watch along on YouTube
New York Times
12-06-2025
- Business
- New York Times
Newcastle's summer transfer strategy: Are fans right to worry about the lack of activity?
After three successive transfer windows without strengthening their first XI, Newcastle United will be active in the market this summer, but nothing has happened yet. High-profile targets already appear to be heading elsewhere, prompting the usual array of fury, froth and frustration on social media. Advertisement When the 2025 close-season's Club World Cup-enforced first mini-window shut on Tuesday, Newcastle had done little more than announce their retained list, with no senior arrivals. The window reopens on Tuesday, June 16, and runs until the night of September 1. With Paul Mitchell, the sporting director, standing down effective June 30, and Darren Eales, the chief executive, already serving his notice, are Newcastle in a state of limbo? Or are they merely biding their time? Our Newcastle writers Chris Waugh and George Caulkin examine the pressing issues at the club. Caulkin: This is multi-layered. Most obviously, head coach Eddie Howe needs some help. Last season's achievements by him and his players represent a miracle, given the discomfort of a year ago, when the squad was weakened. Howe's first XI needs refreshing — greater competition. For too long, motivation has come from within. Those players now need pushing via an injection of quality. Returning to the Champions League next season also gives them another front to fight on. Two years ago, when they last played in that competition, a skinny squad was stretched to translucency by injury. Newcastle require more depth. GO DEEPER Newcastle are back in the Champions League. It changes everything After the PSR (the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules) debacle of last summer, Newcastle are in a far stronger position, particularly after recouping fees for Miguel Almiron and Lloyd Kelly in January. So they have money available, but there are caveats. They are not the biggest wage-payers and will not be taken advantage of when it comes to the so-called 'Saudi tax' — a reference to the deep pockets of their majority owners, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF). Waugh: Fundamentally, Newcastle want to significantly bolster Howe's squad while maintaining financial prudence. The owners are determined to avoid going multiple windows without investing again; they want to leave PSR headroom to recruit again in next year's winter window and beyond. Advertisement Newcastle are adamant they will not overpay for players, though, believing present asking prices are inflated. However, sizeable expenditure is anticipated; the boardroom-level desire to support Howe within sustainable limitations is absolute. There is a recognition that the squad's average age, especially at centre-half and goalkeeper, requires lowering. The majority of players being targeted are between 21 and 24; they have been recognised for their elite potential, given Newcastle cannot afford to bring in multiple established stars. Those under consideration are players who can improve the first XI and, so, the squad. Quality will take precedence over quantity. A complicating factor is UEFA's homegrown quota. Only Sean Longstaff qualifies as a 'club-trained' senior player and, while Newcastle believe they should have the depth to manage regardless, this detail has been a consideration. With John Ruddy, the reserve goalkeeper, in negotiations over an extension, now free-agents Fraser Forster and Tim Krul are unlikely to be recruited, even if their names were mentioned internally, given their homegrown credentials. Waugh: The priorities are obvious. A right-sided centre-back and right-winger (or at least another attacking player of some sort) are wanted, alongside a goalkeeper. A versatile forward is desired, and a midfielder may arrive. Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo was their top right-winger target, but his preference to join Manchester United has led to a re-evaluation. Previous offers were made for Nottingham Forest's Anthony Elanga, Antoine Semenyo of Bournemouth is admired at Newcastle and Brighton & Hove Albion's Joao Pedro is a long-term target. The club must determine whether they have the capacity to sign an adaptable attacker, a right-winger, or both. Advertisement At centre-half, Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi is still highly regarded and James Trafford of Burnley is the priority goalkeeper target. Further details can be found in the latest DealSheet. Caulkin: That idea of priority is fluid. There have been initial negotiations with Burnley over Trafford, the optics of which are not ideal, given his arrival would leave Newcastle with six goalkeepers if nobody departs before then. Yet it isn't a case of saying it should be a right-winger who comes in first. Newcastle are responding to where the market takes them and acting accordingly. Two summers ago, they already had established full-backs, but went out and signed Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall, who are both fundamental to their team now. It is not all about immediacy. Clubs who are not in need of money can hold firm. Priorities change according to circumstances. Caulkin: On the face of it, sub-optimally. 'Speed is key for us and I've reiterated that many times internally, because we have to be dynamic,' Howe said last month. 'We have to be ready to complete things very quickly because good players don't hang around for long.' Since then, Mbeumo has seemingly become unobtainable. Ipswich striker Liam Delap opted for Chelsea. Defender Dean Huijsen left Bournemouth for Real Madrid. With Manchester City already spending big and Liverpool pushing to sign Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez to go with early signing Jeremie Frimpong, it doesn't feel like Newcastle are moving with the dynamism Howe referenced. Yet good players are going to attract rival suitors, and when it comes to salaries, Newcastle cannot compete with a flailing Manchester United, let alone City, Liverpool or Chelsea. Other targets may simply not be available yet. One long-established mantra at Newcastle under PIF's ownership is 'process-driven' decision-making. The problem is that getting transfers over the line often requires being fleet of foot; how and whether this can work, given the flux at director level within the club, is not yet clear. Advertisement Waugh: It is only June 12. As dismissive as that sounds, it is important. Most players are either on holiday, have just finished international duty or are off to take part in the Club World Cup, while club executives are also on their breaks. The majority of the deals concluded so far have involved release clauses (Huijsen, Delap and Matheus Cunha's move from Wolves to Manchester United) or have been driven by sides wanting players signed in time for the Club World Cup. Liverpool are perhaps an exception. Putting last year's PSR-dominated window aside, Newcastle's first senior signing of the corresponding 2022-23 one was Nick Pope on June 23 (excluding Matt Targett's loan becoming permanent) and the following summer, it was Sandro Tonali on July 3. Mitchell's exit is inopportune and Howe would ideally have liked a signing by now, but it is premature to be dismayed. Waugh: Sort of, in the sense some fans are (to an extent, understandably) growing concerned about the lack of incoming. Internally, the mood is not as extreme. There has been frustration, but speed costs money and Newcastle are confident fees will become more realistic as the summer progresses. There is a recognition that it is worth waiting for the targets they want, rather than rushing to acquire someone who is not the ideal fit. Most targets whose names are in the public domain are at English clubs, leading some fans to suggest Newcastle are prioritising Premier League experience over cost. Yet the message from some insiders is that the market in continental Europe is also distorted and will not necessarily prove much cheaper. Newcastle insist they are ready to act — and, crucially, can do so even before June 30. Those at the top are confident the club will end the summer in a far stronger position than they started it. Advertisement Caulkin: Managers always want more. They always want business done early. Howe talks about being motivated by a fear of failure, so he will be fretting. The first team continue to drive everything at Newcastle; if they are considered an elite outfit, it's because of what the head coach has done, not because of their infrastructure or commercial income. So far, the help he needs has not materialised. The situations with Eales and Mitchell — two roles which should shape Newcastle's future – do not encourage stability. The Athletic has spoken to other senior figures who have talked about their uncertainty in terms of the bigger picture. Ultimately, that uncertainty will not dissipate until new appointments are in place and their vision established. The message is that Eales' successor is close to being determined — David Hopkinson, a former executive at Real Madrid, is a leading candidate — and the search for Mitchell's replacement is underway. In the short term, Newcastle have to demonstrate that the status quo remains operational and then that a new leadership model can get things done while building relationships. That first signing, whenever it comes, will calm nerves. Caulkin: The club maintain it is 'business as usual'. Mitchell will continue to direct Newcastle's transfer policy — with Howe retaining the final say — until June 30, when Eales is expected to pick up the slack. A year in charge without making a game-changing signing would not be the glossiest entry on Mitchell's CV, but this is not driving his agenda. Newcastle's plan for this entire window is his plan, at least in part. Last summer demonstrated that having a new sporting director in place guarantees nothing. Will whoever comes in next have the same ideas about strategy and recruitment? Advertisement Waugh: Steve Nickson, head of recruitment, and Andy Howe, assistant head of recruitment, took on prominent roles in the post-Dan Ashworth interim and will be empowered again. The latter has been an influential voice since the takeover, following Eddie, his uncle, to the club from fellow Premier League side Bournemouth. Targets have been selected by the head coach. He would ideally like one or two additions before pre-season begins on July 7, and definitely before the squad leave for a training camp in Austria — by which time the true direction of their window will have become clearer.
New York Times
06-06-2025
- Business
- New York Times
Newcastle squad audit: Champions League quality is needed. Who makes way and who stays?
Eddie Howe may insist he does not envisage a 'squad overhaul' at Newcastle United, but a busy summer of transfer activity is expected at St James' Park. Around four first-team additions are being sought, while several players' careers appear to have reached their natural conclusion. Yet despite Newcastle being at this critical juncture, they risk having a vacuum of leadership, with Darren Eales, the CEO, set to leave for health reasons, and Paul Mitchell, the sporting director, departing on June 30. Advertisement Howe has made his impatience for activity clear, but just who will lead negotiations in their absence? The Athletic has conducted an in-depth audit of Newcastle's squad by position, looking at which players they are determined to keep and which face uncertain futures… Nick Pope (contracted until 2026) Martin Dubravka (2026); John Ruddy (2025); Mark Gillespie (2025) No Premier League club employed more goalkeepers than Newcastle last season, which feels remarkable given the lingering uncertainty in a position that remains a priority for strengthening. Having tried to buy Burnley's James Trafford last summer, the 22-year-old remains their top target. He is far closer to their desired age profile and is better equipped to play out with his feet. Pope, who has been linked with Leeds United, remains Newcastle's first choice and is an excellent shot-stopper, but he is now 33, his distribution out of feet is a weakness, and he has been hampered by injury. Howe, though, loves him and is keen to retain Pope and build competition. During Pope's absence last winter, Howe persuaded Dubravka to commit his immediate future to Tyneside — he had interest from Al Shabab in Saudi Arabia — but having lost his place again, the 36-year-old Slovakia goalkeeper may be open to moving. The contribution of 38-year-old John Ruddy and Mark Gillespie, 33, is valued, where both help set standards, but the pair are out of contract. There are big decisions to be made, with Fraser Forster and Tim Krul linked as third- or fourth-choice goalkeepers who would provide an additional 'club-trained player' to aid Newcastle's compliance with UEFA's homegrown rules for the Champions League. Odysseas Vlachodimos (2029) Newcastle would be receptive to offers for a 31-year-old goalkeeper they had not been seeking but were obliged to sign for an extraordinary £20million ($27.1m) last summer — the price of selling Elliot Anderson to Nottingham Forest as Newcastle struggled to comply with the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules (PSR). Vlachodimos has made one substitute appearance and was available in each of the past two windows, but chose to stay. Who might be interested in him is another question, and a loan exit appears most likely given the knock-on effect selling Vlachodimos in a cut-price deal may have on Newcastle's PSR (given his fee was amortised over his contract). Sven Botman (2027); Dan Burn (2027); Fabian Schar (2026) Burn and Schar were stalwarts throughout 2024-25. Burn was a strong candidate to be The Athletic's Newcastle player of the season, after scoring the iconic opening goal in the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool and then immediately making his debut for England. The 33-year-old, whose leadership is vital, was rewarded with an improved contract and is continuing to develop. Advertisement Like Burn, Botman is naturally left-sided and, at 25, is significantly younger. After multiple knee injuries, the Dutchman is yet to return to his best, but his quality is inarguable and he has been tried as a right-sided option, too. Schar remains integral, having extended his contract until 2026 in April. But he is also 33, and right-sided centre-half is an area Howe has long sought reinforcements. Given his skill in possession and ability to pass long, replacing Schar will not be an easy — or cheap — task. Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi was the subject of a long (and failed) pursuit in August and is still a target. Jamaal Lascelles (2026) As The Athletic revealed in April, Newcastle have extended their club captain's contract until next summer. As with Botman, Lascelles has been recovering from a long-term knee injury and has not featured since March 2024. While Howe greatly values the 31-year-old's off-field influence — Lascelles remains club captain and Bruno Guimaraes, the on-field skipper, and Kieran Trippier, the vice-captain, chose to lift the League Cup as a trio with the centre-back — his pathway to greater playing time will be blocked further if Newcastle make the signing they desire. Lewis Hall (2029); Tino Livramento (2028) Until he succumbed to a foot injury in February, Hall had arguably been Newcastle's most consistent performer last season and was certainly their most-improved player. After a difficult first year, the 20-year-old left-back made the position his own, earning senior England recognition. Livramento began the season at right-back and endured moments of difficulty, but the 22-year-old deputised for Hall and grew in confidence. When the pair were signed in 2023, the idea was that Newcastle were future-proofing the full-back positions, a notion which now appears to be reaching fruition. Newcastle are determined to rebuff interest in Livramento, with some of Europe's top clubs casting envious glances. Advertisement Kieran Trippier (2026); Emil Krafth (2026); Leo Shahar (unknown); Alex Murphy (unknown) Trippier was a statement signing for Howe post-takeover, lifting standards as well as the quality of the team. A testing spell off the pitch has coincided with Trippier losing his status as an automatic starter and with Guimaraes now playing captain, the 34-year-old has been open to seeking a fresh start. Whether at Wembley or in the Premier League, Trippier reminded everyone of his ability in the second half of the season, even if he is less robust physically now. Howe loves him, but can he persuade the right-back to stay for another season? Krafth is also much admired for his quiet, unselfish professionalism and versatility — he is solid at full-back or centre-half — but in first-team terms, he is a stand-in rather than a standout and, at 30, he is not going to improve exponentially or increase in value. Which is different to saying that he is not valued; Champions League football will stretch Howe's resources. Murphy, the 20-year-old, was loaned to Bolton Wanderers in January and has struggled to really break into the Newcastle side. Shahar, the 18-year-old, has trained with the senior side since February and has impressed, and the early idea seems to be for the full-back to stay, play in the UEFA Youth League and continue to develop under Howe, before a potential loan in January. Matt Targett (2026); Jamal Lewis (2025); Harrison Ashby (unknown) Theoretically, Targett has been available for several windows, but the 29-year-old remains a dependable performer when available. Fitness problems limited him to five appearances last season and should a decent offer be made, he may leave. Lewis' contract is up and the 27-year-old left-back, whose left-field loan to Sao Paulo was cut short due to injury, will depart. Ashby, the 23-year-old right-back, spent 2024-25 on loan at Queens Park Rangers and does not appear to be part of Howe's plans. Bruno Guimaraes (2028); Sandro Tonali (2028); Joelinton (2028); Lewis Miley (2029) Midfield is Newcastle's strong suit and the one area where they have depth and options. In 27-year-old Guimaraes, 25-year-old Tonali, and 28-year-old Joelinton, Howe possesses a midfield three which combines athleticism, energy, power, aggression and supreme quality. They may just be the most adept trio in the Premier League. Advertisement After a breakthrough campaign in 2023-24 when he took advantage of the team's crippling injury list, Miley endured a more frustrating 2024-25, but the 19-year-old is still viewed as fundamental to Newcastle's future. There will be options for him to broaden his experience on loan, but this is unlikely to be countenanced. The club would not welcome interest in any of this quartet and are confident that they would be able to reject it anyway. Joe Willock (2027); Joe White (unknown) In spite of his ability to carry the ball forward — a point of difference from his fellow midfielders — Willock has never quite established himself as integral, at least in part because of his struggles with injury. Nobody is pushing for the 25-year-old to leave, but offers may have to be considered for PSR purposes. A fresh start might suit everybody. After a successful spell at MK Dons, it is unclear what will happen with White. The 22-year-old attacking midfielder is unlikely to be part of Howe's first-team plans, so a loan or exit may be forthcoming. Sean Longstaff (2026); Isaac Hayden (2026) Howe resurrected Longstaff's career and his constant running and willingness to do the ugly things were vital. As Newcastle's style has developed and with Tonali excelling in a deeper midfield role, Longstaff has fallen out of contention. The 27-year-old had options to leave in January and it now feels likely he will go; as an academy graduate, any fee would represent pure profit, which will help Newcastle's PSR position. The complication in letting the midfielder leave is UEFA's homegrown rules, given Longstaff is their only senior 'club-trained player'. Hayden has been surplus to requirements during most of Howe's tenure. The 30-year-old went to Portsmouth in January, where he played 17 times, but a permanent exit may be negotiated. Alexander Isak (2028); Jacob Murphy (2027); William Osula (2029) Isak is Newcastle's jewel in the crown, a player coveted by most clubs but whose departure would also be most keenly felt. Although his fitness and form drifted in 2024-25, he became the first Newcastle player to score 20 Premier League goals in successive seasons. Tying the 25-year-old down to an enhanced contract is a priority; an already complicated negotiation has become even more challenging due to Mitchell and Eales' departures, too. Advertisement Nobody else can do what Isak does, but Newcastle lack serious backup at centre-forward. Osula's potential is rated by the coaching staff and he clearly has aggression and promise, but the 21-year-old still looks raw (and maybe better suited to a wide-forward berth). A loan is not entirely out of the question. Murphy enjoyed the most productive season of his career, scoring eight league goals and providing 12 assists, the most behind Liverpool's Mohamed Salah. A right-winger is highly likely to arrive, but Howe ideally wants to retain the 30-year-old's skillset and competitive instincts. Anthony Gordon (2029); Harvey Barnes (2028); Trevan Sanusi (unknown) Lumping Gordon and Barnes here is a little forced, but the feeling remains that two into one doesn't go. Gordon, 24, was brilliant for Newcastle in 2023-24, but last season was laborious from the start, with the England player unsettled by summer interest from Liverpool, then suspended for the cup final, before struggling to displace Barnes. For his part, Barnes finally came good, but both the 27-year-old and Gordon, who is a spiky character, are much less effective when played away from the left wing. Having this depth is useful theoretically, but it makes Newcastle's squad lopsided. Howe admires both players, but what this summer brings will be interesting. Will Gordon look elsewhere, or will Barnes attract offers, which may be helpful PSR-wise? Sanusi trained with the senior squad pre-Christmas, before suffering an injury, and it is probably still too soon for the tricky 18-year-old winger to be loaned out. Callum Wilson (2025); Garang Kuol (2026); Sean Neave (unknown) Wilson has been a fine servant and regular source of goals since his arrival in 2020, but injuries have taken a toll — he didn't score in the league last season — and the club have decided not to take up an option to extend his contract by another year. While there have been talks with Wilson's representatives about renegotiating terms on a performance-related basis, the 33-year-old is likely to leave. Advertisement At 18, Neave already has a League Cup winners' medal, despite having yet to make a first-team appearance. Howe likes the versatile 18-year-old forward, who has an eye for goal, and he may be kept on Tyneside for at least the first half of 2025-26. Kuol, meanwhile, is into the final year of his deal and, despite the 20-year-old Australia international enjoying an impressive season for Newcastle's Under-21s, a permanent exit this summer probably suits all parties. (Top photos: Matt Targett and Callum Wilson, both by Stu Forster via Getty Images)
