The seven players set for a Newcastle United exit this summer - and 14 that won’t
It’s set to be a busy transfer window for Newcastle United - and things are starting to hot up.
This summer is set to be a busy one on Tyneside as Eddie Howe looks to build a Newcastle United side in his own image - or at least one that can consistently compete in the top half of the Premier League.
While his mantra this year has been one of evolution not revolution, it’s impossible not to believe United will be one of the busier teams in the top flight this summer.
In order to maximise their budget, the Magpies must shift players out, even though the more pressing desire is to see players arrive. Howe had a 25-man squad, and players like Ciaran Clark, Jamal Lewis and Isaac Hayden outside of the group at the back end of last season - and the club’s owners are keen not to see that repeated this.
So who will go and who will stay? Here we take a look at those with one foot out the St James’ Park doors - and those who look like they’re here to stay.
1. Ciaran Clark - likely
Clark was left out of Newcastle’s 25-man squad for the second-half of last season and has began pre-season training with the under-23s. Photo: Stu Forster
2. Federico Fernandez - likely
There is no doubt Fernandez is a popular figure on Tyneside but his lack of game time, largely down to injuries and the form of Burn & Schar, may see the 33-year-old move on this summer.
3. Matt Ritchie - likely
A great servant and player Eddie Howe loves from his Bournemouth days. There was talk of Ritchie potentially leaving last summer, and now, after a long spell out the starting XI, the 32-year-old may feel his time has come.
4. Matty Longstaff - likely
His debut against Manchester United will live long in the memory but for one reason or another - mostly down to Steve Bruce - Longstaff’s career hasn’t progressed as expected.