A harsh title but one that genuinely comes from a place of respect for what the players have done for the club over their tenures in Black and White. However, this is not just about trimming the fat or the need to create space in the squad or PSR headroom (although those would be obvious considerations for the club) but it’s because the time is right for them to move on as the club has either surpassed their ability or is on the cusp of doing so.
Recruitment at United should focus on raising the ‘quality floor’ of the squad and not focus on the top end (except for a RW/forward) as players like Bruno, Tonali, Botman, Isak, Gordon, and Joelinton would walk into most teams in the top five leagues in Europe. Whereas the ‘lower floor’ of the squad would struggle to get in some Championship squads.
There has already been some noise about how the January transfer window is difficult to do business in but this process whilst it should be started in January to simply try and extract whatever value the club can from the players, will continue into the Summer of 2025. So, the players are:
Martin Dubravka
A good servant of the club, although he blotted his copybook with that Instagram post after his ill-fated loan spell to Man Utd in 2022 but should be fondly waved farewell in 2025 with memories of his debut against the same club in 2018 and not his ill thought out social media posts and apparent inability to dive to his right that was on display over and over last season.
Matt Targett
A strange one, and one I suspect Eddie Howe didn’t really want after his initial successful loan spell in 2021/22. Factor in his rumoured obscene wages and a smorgasbord of ridiculous injuries all parties should shake hands in 2025. Although with a year left on his contract and said obscene wages it may be difficult to move him on.
Isaac Hayden
Injury robbed him of the chance to play his part in 2021/22 when Eddie Howe first arrived as he may have played a role in helping United stay up, although in truth we will never know. Good on his day and some happy memories associated (the last-minute winner against Chelsea at SJP comes to mind) the lad should leave and look to be playing regularly as he is 29 and in the prime years of his career. (RE: see above regarding contract though…)
Miguel Almirón
What might’ve been, if only he had scored on his home debut against Huddersfield with that lovely chip instead of hitting the post. The lad is a workhorse, and we will always have his purple patch of 2022/23. However, he has 18 months left on his contract and appears to have dropped right down the pecking order with just one league start so far this season. He will probably still command a reasonable fee (Transfer Markt has him still valued at €20m), and all parties should look to sort a deal in 2025.
Callum Wilson
When rumours circulated last January of a move to Milan or Atletico he should’ve gone. When he finished 2022/23 as the club’s top scorer the club should’ve cashed in and not extended his contract. His overall record for United looks decent (47 in 95) but he has missed another 99 games through injury. You just cannot rely on him to stay fit and when Isak is injured and we’re playing Gordon up front you need someone reliable as understudy.
Kieran Trippier (?)
If only he was 24 and not 34. But the time may be right to sell as he still retains some value. I’m not as sold on this one as the others, but Father Time is fickle and waits for no one, and in spells this season he has looked equally poor and as he has brought leadership (as he did in the turnaround against Wolves). 2025 will probably see the first signing of the new era leave but it will be with a heavy heart from this fan.
John Ruddy, Mark Gillespie and/or Odysseas Vlachodimos
United will look to sort out a long-term replacement for Nick Pope in 2025 and it will not be any of the above trio. They have been praised for their professionalism behind the scenes, but at least one of these must leave to create some spac in the squad and lower our wage bill. Come on in James Trafford and another, probably.
Jamaal Lascelles
Injury may’ve unfortunately ended his Newcastle career early. A stellar servant who in the old days would get a testimonial having signed for United in 2014, I feel bad for including him here. Fondly remembered for kicking the backside of every underperforming Prima donna member of the 2016 relegation squad and being made captain by Rafa Benítez for doing so, Lascelles will likely depart in 2025 when his contract expires.
Agree with your article, time has come for a release of some good loyal servants to the club. Best for both sides to move on . A few others need to go especially their high wages, but understand their position to hold out. May need to just “bite the bullet”and finalise those contracts to allow progress. We have to freshen up the squad to get us to the next level . Hwtl
Kiddafromthetoon(Quote)
Can’t disagree with any of those mentioned, when you want to keep players like Gordon Joelinton and Isak etc you have to pay them top dollar or they will be poached by the septic six, so to move forward under the corrupt psr you just can’t afford to keep players on big salaries past their sell buy date.
Sentiment also has to be thrown out of the window regarding St. James Park and a new stadium is paramount for us to have an upward trajectory.
I hope another legal challenge is forthcoming regards ATR and PSR the latter not being fit for purpose.
Joseph(Quote)
This article reflects a difficult but necessary truth for Newcastle’s development, when players who have contributed significantly in the past will need to Stimulation Clicker make way for stronger new talents, helping the team go further in the future.
sophia(Quote)