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.
5. Miguel Almiron
Almiron almost moved to Saudi Arabia in January before deciding against a mid-season move. Six months on and the interest is still there. His place in the starting XI is very much under threat with Newcastle looking to sign a right forward this summer. | Getty Images
6. Joe White
White spent the first-half of last season on loan at Crewe Alexandra before being recalled as Newcastle endured an injury crisis. With players such as Sandro Tonali and Joe Willock returning, the midfielder is set to fall down the pecking order. | Getty Images
7. Alex Murphy
The 20-year-old made his Premier League debut last season after being drafted into the matchday squad on a number of occasions. He will remain with the first-team for pre-season before a decision is made on whether to loan him out or not. | AFP via Getty Images
8. Harrison Ashby
What happens with Kieran Trippier could determine what Newcastle do next with Ashby this summer. The former West Ham United youngster spent last season on loan at Championship side Swansea City. | Getty Images