The Magpies reluctantly parted ways with promising duo Yankuba Minteh and Elliot Anderson to Brighton & Hove Albion and Nottingham Forest, respectively, in order to comply with Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
Their departures, which brought in a combined total of £68million, were sealed just hours before the June 30 accounting deadline. Given the panic and stressful nature, the club is keen ensure history doesn’t repeat itself.
Asked about potential exits in the coming weeks, Howe told NewcastleWorld: “I can’t say for certain what is going to happen. But certainly learning from the PSR incident in June this year, we’ve got to make sure we aren’t in that position again.
“I think that is an ever-changing thing and we’ll see teams, including us, being very fluid this year.”
Howe, however, hopes any departure won’t include the club’s “best players”. That undoubtedly includes Alexander Isak, Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon, who CEO Darren Eales said last week he expects to remain at St James’ Park.
The former AFC Bournemouth manager added: “I don’t think you can ever say no, I’d never say that. I hope not to our best players of course but as a manager you can never say for certain what is going to happen.”
Asides from those three players, no one is untouchable and here, we take a look at the players at risk of leaving in the near future, either on loan or permanently.
1. Martin Dubravka
The arrivals of Odysseas Vlachodimos and John Ruddy, plus the return of Nick Pope from a long-term shoulder injury, have cast further doubt over the Slovakian’s future. Is into the final year of his contract. | Getty Images
2. Kieran Trippier
NewcastleWorld learned earlier this year that Trippier was attracting interest from the Saudi Pro League, and recent noise has suggested a move could materialise. The England right-back turns 34 later this year and is into the final year of his contract. | Getty Images
3. Callum Wilson
Eddie Howe has made no secret of his desire to keep Wilson but another injury, one that could see him miss the start of the season, has brought his future back under the spotlight. The striker is 33 next year and out-of-contract next summer. | Getty Images
4. Matt Targett
Newcastle are open to offers but there are no guarantees that a team will come forward due to his poor injury record. Since signing permanently from Aston Villa two years, the left-back has started just seven Premier League matches. | Getty Images