Newcastle will have a lot of big decisions to make over the coming months with 11 senior players – including the likes of Fabian Schar and Callum Wilson – out of contract next summer.
See the full list of players who have less than 12 months on their deal below:
Mark Gillespie
Loris Karius
Paul Dummett
Emil Krafth
Jamaal Lascelles
Javier Manquillo
Fabian Schar
Matt Ritchie
Callum Wilson
Jeff Hendrick
Kell Watts
It’s likely to be a big clear out with a number of these players either on the fringes of the squad or have not been involved for some time – Jeff Hendrick and Kelland Watts for example.
We’d receive no fees, as many will leave on free transfers, but it could be a massive help in terms of freeing up space on the wage budget, with some of these players still under big contracts that they were given under the previous ownership.
In terms of those who could stay, you can very easily see Fabian Schar getting a new deal who would be s a solid backup if we look to improve at the heart of our defence next year.
Callum Wilson’s stay on Tyneside may also be extended, despite the fact he will be 32, as we’d struggle to find a more proven backup to the very talented Alexander Isak.
There may also be other extensions given to players if we still need to make up the numbers, but there’s a good chance most of them will depart next summer.
Might seem harsh but there’s not 1 on that list I’d keep – Wilson is passed his prime & all I see in that list is a lot of wages to be freed up.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I would also add that of those 11 leaving we would only maybe need 4 to replace them.
Potentially a 3rd choice keeper.
X2 CBs
X1 CF
The only other improvements we may need is at LB – I know we’ve bought Hall but he’s only 18. Do we need an upgrade on Burn/Target – I believe we do.
Then RWF – Miggy is our weak link imo & defo needs upgraded.
So that’s x2 CBs, x1 CF, x1 RWF & x1 LB = maybe £250m or less if we can get some good business done 🤷🏼♂️.
It’s a lot of money, and 5 players is still a sign of how far we still have to go imo. I know it’s probably only 1 or 2 transfer windows – so a season – I don’t mean how far in terms of time, I mean buying and establishing these players regards how far we still have to go – maybe 2 or 3 seasons.
Sharpy17(Quote)