Rumours continue to swirl around who Newcastle may bring in to strengthen their squad this summer, while internal talks have been had around those who are surplus to requirements.

Newcastle’s must make tough decisions that will see some familiar faces depart this summer if they are to avoid being forced into a PSR corner as they were with the sales of Yankuba Minteh and Elliot Anderson again – though we are in a much stronger position this summer thanks to the further sales of Miguel Almiron and Lloyd Kelly and our Champions League qualification.

Some players simply need game time, for others this is our final chance to cash-in as they approach the end of their contracts – while some just don’t fit into Eddie Howe’s plans.

The club has big ambitions for this summer, but to get deals done and stay on the right side of financial regulations, sales (including those that count as pure profit) will be key. Here’s a closer look at four names Newcastle are now prepared to move on.

Four Mags made available

According to The Athletic, Newcastle plan to move on Odysseas Vlachodimos, Sean Longstaff, Matt Targett, and Isaac Hayden.

£20 million signing Odysseas Vlachodimos has barely featured since arriving last summer – his only appearance coming in the first half of the Carabao Cup Third Round against Wimbledon. A loan deal is the most likely outcome for the Greek international goalkeeper, who clearly sits behind Nick Pope and Martin Dúbravka in the pecking order, due to the PSR hit we would take on a sale.

Meanwhile, Sean Longstaff’s future is up in the air. With just 12 months left on his contract, the club are now open to offers for the academy graduate. Longstaff, who previously turned down a move in January, would represent ‘pure profit’ under PSR rules, making his sale financially appealing. 

Matt Targett is another player Newcastle are ready to move on. The 29-year-old left-back has struggled with injuries and game time, and the club are willing to listen to offers for him this summer.

Isaac Hayden’s situation also needs resolving. The 30-year-old midfielder hasn’t been part of Eddie Howe’s plans, and Newcastle are actively working to find him a move after a string of loans over the past two seasons.

No Time for Sentimentality

As much as it might sting to see local lads such as Longstaff move on, Newcastle are operating in a world where sentimentality can’t get in the way of progress. The club’s ambition to consistently compete at the top table, both domestically and in Europe, means difficult decisions have to be made.

Sean Longstaff, for example, has worn the badge with pride as a Geordie and given his all during a transformative period for the club. But football is ruthless, and with just a year left on his deal, the financial incentive to cash in now, especially when his sale would count as pure profit, is simply too big to ignore. 

It’s not about lack of appreciation, it’s about keeping the club sustainable and moving forward.

Newcastle are evolving and ambitions have grown. If the club wants to bring in elite-level talent and stay within PSR constraints to avoid a situation akin to last summer, then we need to make decisive decisions now – and it seems that is what we are set to do.