Three Newcastle players facing a big 2026

2026 is going to be another huge year for the football club. After a poor end to the previous calendar year, it is crucial that the club continue their upward trajectory.

A season of transition on the pitch is fine, but the club needs to continue making improvements in the boardroom. The minimum expectation for the current season is to earn European qualification of any description and there are still opportunities for that across all four competitions.

Below, we discuss three players that are facing a huge 2026 for differing reasons.

Sven Botman

The Dutchman’s contract ends in 2027, which means he is entering an uncertain period in his career. There have been reports suggesting that the club will want to tie him down to a new deal, but there hasn’t been any movement on that front yet – at least publicly.

Botman has struggled with injury over the last two years and despite some positive performances, they have been few and far between. The centre back has struggled for consistency and has picked up several knocks. His fitness hasn’t been reliable and there will be questions about whether he should be given a contract extension.

He returned to the match-day squad at the weekend. Due to Dan Burn’s injury, there is an opportunity for Botman to get back into the team and secure the left centre-back berth. If Botman can get back to the form he showed during his first 18 months at the club, he could develop an excellent partnership with Malick Thiaw.

Since the start of last season, Botman has only started 14 Premier League matches. That doesn’t give enough justification for a new deal. It is important that he stays fit and shows that he remains able to play regularly for a team competing in multiple competitions.

If his durability remains an issue, this summer could be the right time to cash in. At 25, Botman still has a lot of value and could be sold on for a decent fee. Leverkusen were linked with a move last summer. Ideally, Botman will stay fit, return to his best form and earn a new contract. However, a decision will need to be made this summer, either way.

Anthony Elanga

It has been a slow start to Elanga’s career at St James’ Park. Many have already decided that he’ll never be good enough to be our starting right winger. It is too soon to make that judgement and the Swedish international could yet prove to be a long term solution on the right wing. He remains just 23-years-old and will develop as a player, especially under a proven coach like Eddie Howe.

Despite the transfer window being open, it is unlikely that the club will look to sign another right winger. It would be an overreaction to Elanga’s early struggles. Players can take time to adapt to a new club, even if they have moved within the same league. We didn’t see the best of Anthony Gordon until he’d been at the club for eight months. Within the club, it will be hoped that Elanga can do much better in the second half of the season.

There is still an opportunity for Elanga to become a first team regular. Jacob Murphy hasn’t shown the same form that he did last season and that means that opportunities will be given to the summer signing once he returns from injury. Perhaps the break from playing will help refocus the Swedish international.

A return of no goals and a single assist from over 20 appearances across all competitions is far from good enough. Elanga will know that and if he continues to struggle, there will be pressure on the club to sign another player in his position in the summer.

It is up to Elanga to decrease that need and show why the club decided to sign him in the first place. 2026 could be a career defining year for the winger.

Anthony Gordon

2025 has been a year to forget for Anthony Gordon in many ways. He was a peripheral figure in the big matches. A red card against Brighton led to him missing one of the greatest days in the club’s history. He will have celebrated the trophy win, but also feel disappointed that he wasn’t able to play a part on the day.

There have been goals, assists and big performances from him, both for Newcastle and England. After all, he is in pole position to start for his national team at the World Cup this summer. You don’t get there without quality. However, there hasn’t been the consistency in his game that he will crave. Gordon wants to be the leader of the attack, but he hasn’t done enough to justify that role.

There have been many discussions recently about his role in the team. Some believe Harvey Barnes should be ahead of Gordon in the pecking order. Although this writer doesn’t agree, Gordon hasn’t done enough to silence his doubters.

2026 feels huge for Gordon’s role at the club. Two years ago, nearly all supporters would have been opposed to a sale. If a club did offer big money for him this summer, there would be a lot of people that would want to take the money and sign a more consistent option.

Anthony Gordon needs a big 2026 if he is to be the leader of our attack.