Newcastle United are preparing for a big summer as they enter the latter part of the 2023-24 season.
After qualifying for the Champions League last year, this campaign has provided some remarkable highs, yet in the main it has been one of frustration. There have been mitigating circumstances - namely injuries - but the Magpies still have 10 games to finish as high as they can in the Premier League table.
Currently sitting in 10th, there is still a strong possibility of European qualification but there is no denying that United's season struggles has brought the summer transfer window into sharp focus. Eddie Howe will want to ensure he has the squad depth to attack a campaign on at least three fronts, maybe four depending on Europe.
Newcastle's summer business is expected to officially begin with the signing of Lewis Hall on a permanent basis. United have an obligation to buy Hall for an initial £28million from Chelsea if certain performance-related criteria is met. However, the 19-year-old's lack of game time has created an air of confusion over his future.
Hall has made just 12 appearances for United having last started a game in November - the 2-0 defeat away to AFC Bournemouth. Substitutes appearances have also been few and far between since the turn of the year.
But when asked if Hall signing permanently was 'nailed on' this summer, United boss Eddie Howe said recently: "Yeah, I think so. That's why I'm preparing for him to be here long term and I'm delighted with that because he has many qualities that we're looking for.
“In terms of my thinking, I’m preparing for Lewis to be at Newcastle for many years. He was always brought in with a long-term view, not a short-term signing. He is a long-term signing."
Meanwhile, Newcastle's hierarchy remain in talks with Joelinton over a new contract. The Brazilian's current deal expires in 2025 with Howe previously admitting there's a possibility he could be sold if an agreement isn't reached soon. What happens to Joelinton will impact United's transfer plans so retaining the 27-year-old's services will, in many ways, be like a signing in itself, especially when you consider he is sidelined with a thigh injury.
On the subject of contracts, six players - two of which are out on loan - will see their deals expire at the end of the campaign, unless new terms are offered. And with a number of players also out-of-contract in 2025, we take a look at when every Newcastle United player's contract expires:
1. Elliot Anderson - N/A
Signed a ‘long-term’ deal in September 2022.
2. Anthony Gordon - N/A
Newcastle didn’t disclose the length of Gordon's contract when he signed from Everton just over 12 months ago.
3. Harrison Ashby - N/A
Similar to Gordon, the club didn’t reveal Ashby's contract length. Currently on loan at Swansea City.
4. Lewis Hall - TBC
Newcastle have triggered a permanent deal for Hall - currently on loan from Chelsea - after meeting the performance related criteria. He will sign a long-term contract this summer.