It seems a host of Newcastle United players are facing uncertain futures at St James’ Park this summer.
In their latest piece on the Toon transfer front, The Athletic name 11 players who could be moved on in a few months time – also revealing that the “majority” of our summer budget looks set to be spent on a “quality striker.”
Here’s a snippet from the article itself:
“Multiple sources have told The Athletic that bringing in a quality striker is of the “utmost priority” and it is expected that the majority of Newcastle’s budget will be directed towards this.“
Back to potential outgoings, the following names were listed as players we are expected to listen to offers for, replace or move out on loan if no buyers emerge:
- Karl Darlow
- Freddie Woodman
- Ciaran Clark
- Federico Fernandez
- Jamal Lewis
- Matt Ritchie
- Isaac Hayden
- Matty Longstaff
- Jeff Hendrick
- Miguel Almiron
- Dwight Gayle
Given none of the above are out of contract this summer and several of them are likely to be on decent wages, it could be easier said than done to find them permanent moves.
As for strikers, the piece names Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Everton), Patrik Schick (Bayer Leverkusen) and Darwin Nunez (Benfica) as three strikers who have been ‘regularly mentioned’ in transfer meetings.
Elsewhere, The Athletic expect Fabian Schar and Sean Longstaff to sign new deals, while Jacob Murphy is believed to have done enough to show Eddie Howe he is worthy of a place in his squad next season.
Only eleven!
Apart from Trippier who isn’t available we appear to have no one who can cajole and get the players motivated when we are up against it.
Players who you would expect to step up to the mark with vast experience eg, Shelvey and Lascelles (when playing) just hide under the bed.
Shearer, Barton and Nolan for example would have been shaking their fists and shouting at players in order for them to respond to setbacks on the pitch.
We need leaders of that type.
Joseph(Quote)