10 players likely to leave Newcastle United in summer overhaul
With Newcastle looking to sign at least a goalkeeper, right-sided centre-back, right winger and striker this summer, a number of outgoings will be required to raise funds, reduce the wage bill and create space in Eddie Howe’s squad.
June 30th is also a 'mini deadline' for clubs needing to balance the books for the financial year and comply with PSR, meaning the subject of player sales could be a common theme over the next fortnight.
Following the expiration of their contracts, it's worth noting that Paul Dummett, Matt Ritchie, Loris Karius, Jeff Hendrick and Kell Watts have left the club, but there's 10 more likely to depart - either on loan or permanently - over the comings months. For me, those 10 include:
- Ryan Fraser
- Isaac Hayden
- Jamal Lewis
- Harrison Ashby (loan)
- Garang Kuol (loan)
- Martin Dubravka
- Matt Targett
- Joe White (loan)
- Miguel Almiron
- Callum Wilson
Fraser, Hayden and Lewis spent the 2023/24 season on loan in the Championship loans but are not in Howe’s plans. Whether they leave permanently or we only manage to secure another loan, they will almost certainly go. Southampton’s return to the Premier League has paved the way for Fraser to sign permanently, cutting over £60,000-per-week from our wage bill, but Watford opted against signing Lewis on a permanent deal. There's talk that Hayden could have his contract terminated, with a pay-off allowing him to leave on a free transfer.
Ashby and Kuol are likely to leave on loan again, although we’ll be hoping the latter finds a much better home this time after barely featuring for Volendam over the second half of 2023/24. Joe White could join them in leaving on loan, which could be his last chance to impress as a 21-year-old out of contract next summer.
I fully expect Dubravka to leave following interest from Saudi Arabia and Celtic. He’s 35, out of contract in 2025 and will slip further down the pecking order if he stays, with talks currently taking place over a move for Burnley's James Trafford.
Matt Targett will be our fourth choice option at left-back now Lloyd Kelly has signed, having previously slipped behind Dan Burn and Lewis Hall. He is on big wages, which could cause problems regarding any exit, but needs a move for the sake of his career after an injury-riddled spell.
Then to Almiron and Wilson. Miggy's now 30, was heavily linked with a move in January and will lose his first team spot to the new right winger expected to take up a big chunk of our budget this summer. For FFP reasons it’s surely time to sell, coupled with the fact Jacob Murphy has proven to be a solid squad option that would allow for his exit. The question is, where does he go? It’s rumoured that he isn’t keen on Saudi, but the offer of a hefty pay day may tempt him?
Wilson is thought to be considering a fresh challenge away from Newcastle. He’s a proven goalscorer when fit, but he missed 18 games last season via hamstring, calf and chest injuries and is out of contract next summer, meaning this is our last chance to land a fee for the 32-year-old who will still attract plenty of interest after 28 goals over the last two seasons.
