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.
9. Garang Kuol
Howe has already hinted at another loan for 19-year-old Kuol, whose previous spells at Hearts and FC Volendam didn’t go to plan through a lack of game time. | Getty Images
10. Jamal Lewis
Watford passed up the opportunity to turn Lewis’ loan into a permanent move. In the meantime, the Northern Ireland international has linked up with Howe’s squad for pre-season whilst his future is resolved. | Getty
11. Isaac Hayden
Having had his fair share of injury problems over the last few years, Hayden enjoyed a successful loan spell at QPR during the second part of last season and is interested in returning. His wages, however, are proving to be a major stumbling block with still two years remaining on his contract. | Getty Images
12. Ryan Fraser
Fraser is desperate to return to Southampton after helping them achieve promotion back to the Premier League. Newcastle are happy to let him go but there are finances still to sort, with the Scot on a sizeable salary. Out-of-favour and out-of-contract in 2025. | Getty Images