The £128m quintet fighting for their Newcastle United futures under Eddie Howe

For many at Newcastle United, this season is make or break. The Magpies are a fast-evolving club under a Saudi-backed regime with ambition as large as St James’ Park.

Tears are held back whenever a long-serving player moves on. This summer it was Paul Dummett’s and Matt Ritchie’s turn to depart following lengthy Tyneside careers.

Father Time is undefeated and nobody can play in black-and-white stripes forever. But for some, age is not set to be the deciding factor on whether they will remain at Newcastle.

There are several Toon players in the pomp of their careers who have a point to prove if they are to be part of the post-takeover journey much longer. NewcastleWorld has profiled five stars needing an impressive campaign to remind supporters and, most importantly, Eddie Howe, of their long-term credentials.

Nick Pope

Pope must have felt hard done by when Newcastle were scrambling for a new goalkeeper earlier this summer. After all, he has been brilliant for the Magpies since joining from Burnley two years ago.

Ironically, they signed two, but John Ruddy’s arrival is hardly going to strike the fear of god into the England international. A shoulder injury ruled Pope out for six months last season and there are doubts about its possible recurrence.

Pope must dispel those fears in 2024-25 to fend off a possible replacement next year. Howe may also turn to someone better equipped with their feet - giving the 32-year-old plenty of challenges ahead of the new campaign.

Harvey Barnes

What appeared a non-serious foot injury just minutes into his first Newcastle start quickly became a nightmare for Barnes. With Anthony Gordon dazzling on the left flank, many began to question his signing.

The Magpies stumping up £38million is a big commitment in an FFP/PSR-dominated world and, dramatic West Ham United strikes aside, Barnes has not yet justified that price tag. Toon fans have seen glimpses - most notably that aforementioned brace.

Seizing the opportunity when given a chance is key to Barnes turning his fortunes around. Howe clearly likes him, but competing with Gordon for a starting berth could cause a headache.

Sandro Tonali

There is no need to go in-depth about why Tonali makes the list. Newcastle emptied the clip to sign the Italian last summer - only for him to play just 12 times before receiving a 10-month ban.

As of right now, the £55million deal was a mistake. But there is no doubting his qualities and Newcastle have every confidence Tonali can turn the tide.

The love, adulation and support the 24-year-old has been given should ignite a fire in his belly to repay that faith. He is set to return on September 1, with Tottenham Hotspur his first opponent.

Callum Wilson

Like Tonali, Wilson’s pathway to success is obvious. The 32-year-old simply must stay fit for the Magpies to justify keeping him in their ranks.

Wilson has missed a staggering 37 per cent of Newcastle’s Premier League games since joining in 2020. Unsurprisingly, Howe confirmed he is currently nursing a back problem and may miss the season opener. 

But when fit, Wilson will score goals. The question is how long that will be before he breaks down again. An injury-free season appears unlikely but may see him stay on Tyneside beyond next summer.

Sean Longstaff

One of Howe’s most trusted lieutenants and success stories. Longstaff had his best-ever scoring figures for Newcastle last season but attracted criticism - at times unfairly - throughout.

Like Wilson, the midfielder has one year remaining on his current deal and Leicester City were linked earlier in the window. However, Tonali, Joe Willock and Joelinton returning could hinder his first-team opportunities.

Or, from a glass-half-full perspective, Longstaff may perform better when given a breather. Howe clearly likes him but that support can only last for so long - the North Shields native must step up a gear in 2024-25.