Uncertainty dominates Newcastle United summer plans with surprise trip on agenda

Newcastle United's pre-season plans remain 'undecided' despite the club being just 13 weeks out from any proposed trip. The Magpies had hoped to spend their second successive summer in the United States of America, having taken their place in the Premier League Summer Series in 2023. But proposals for games against the likes of Wolverhampton Wanderers and Everton, potentially in Florida, have failed to materialise into anything concrete, as yet, and NewcastleWorld understands the club are exploring alternatives as they look to nail down a summer tour.

Key to any decision re summer games is the commercial aspect, with the want to exploit any money-making or reputation-enhancing opportunities. A number of proposals are understood to have been presented to Newcastle with trips across the Far East, USA and even to Africa mooted. At present, however, no decision on location has been firmed up. A trip to Tokyo, Japan, where Brighton and Hove Albion are looking to play, is one possibility being considered by the Magpies' hierarchy. The Far East or the USA appear to be the current favourites, even though head coach Eddie Howe would much prefer something closer to home, with a return to somewhere like the Austrian Alps seen as much less taxing on a depleted squad ravaged by injury issues this campaign. Any summer trip - likely set in the final weeks of July - will be supplemented by another two-day, two-game encounter in the Sela Cup, following on from the success of last year's inaugural tournament on Tyneside. Newcastle emerged triumphant in the 2023 edition ahead of Nice, Villarreal and Fiorentina. There is an acceptance, however, that opponents for the 2024 edition of the completion need to be improved upon, with crowds failing to pack out the St James' Park capacity in August last year. Saudi clubs had been considered, but, at this stage, that does not look to be a route the club are pursuing.

Howe, the club and, in particular, fans will all be hoping for a swift resolution to the club’s summer schedule dilemma, with supporters always keen to follow the Magpies wherever they go.