WHO is coming and who is going? From high-profile, big-name departures to veteran exits, which players will still be donning a black-and-white top in September 2026?
The win over Brighton on Saturday (May 2) brought a much-needed lift to Newcastle, who, at this late stage of the season, can still mathematically, yet highly implausibly, qualify for the Champions League and get relegated.
After a markedly poor campaign, and with Newcastle’s board and scouting departments in order, a raft of exits and incomings is expected this summer. Who has done enough to retain their place, and which players are anticipated to bid goodbye?
Aaron Ramsdale
Without setting the world alight, the loanee has quietly put in some admirable performances during a difficult period in Newcastle’s recent history. However, having been unable to displace the mistake-prone Nick Pope, the Southampton keeper has not done enough to warrant a permanent transfer.
Nick Pope
It was the last-chance saloon this season for the former England international, who, despite his occasional heroics, has cost Newcastle time and again. A great ‘shot stopper’, the clumsy and uncoordinated keeper who lacks composure with his feet, is expected to depart at the end of the season.
Mark Gillespie
Having been handed two additional one-year extensions over the past two years, the 34-year-old Geordie’s contract is up again at the end of the season. Reportedly, he is a good presence in the changing room. I think he will leave the club, but won’t be shocked if he is handed an additional year.
John Ruddy
In a similar vein to Gillespie, the experienced veteran’s contract is up in the summer, but I can see him staying on for another season.
Malick Thiaw
Newcastle’s best signing of the disastrous summer 2025 window, unless a mammoth offer is received, Thiaw will undoubtedly be staying at Tyneside next season.
Sven Botman
The 26-year-old Dutchman is a funny one. A player who has shown so much promise, yet has been massively stunted by successive knee injuries. With four years remaining on his deal, the club are in a good position to cash in, although I’m unsure if there will be a swathe of suitors for him, so I expect him to stay.
Fabian Schar
I love Fabian Schar and believe he has been a huge miss for Newcastle since his serious ankle injury in January. His contract is up in the summer, but for his class, calmness and unique profile, I think Newcastle would be making a mistake by not offering the 34-year-old one more year.
Dan Burn
The boy from Blyth may be slowing down, but he is still an indispensable figure in the Magpies’ changing room. His minutes may become more limited next season, but he is not going anywhere just yet.
Lewis Hall
Absolutely vital; one of Newcastle’s best players; would be calamitous if he were to exit. Do I need to say more?
Alex Murphy
A decent and steady player, but potentially not up to the mark. An exit is probably best for all parties.
Tino Livramento
Livramento is unquestionably a talented footballer, but he is not as good as some will lead you to believe, and he is massively injury-prone. With two years left on his deal, clubs such as Manchester City are allegedly circling. If the right offer comes in, I think he should be allowed to leave.
Kieran Trippier
An exceptional servant, the 35-year-old has already announced he is leaving when his deal ends at the season’s climax. He departs a legend, and will be a missed figure in the changing room.
Emil Krafth
Krafth’s deal ends in the summer, and with his home already on the market, the full back is widely expected to leave the club.
Sandro Tonali
Universally adored on Tyneside, hope remains that Sandro will remain a Newcastle player next season, but with a variety of clubs declaring an interest, it would not be a surprise to see him leave the club. Although, unless a big offer comes in for the Italian – which I find unlikely, I believe he will be staying.
Bruno Guimaraes
Ah, our best player. Almost five years into the PIF project, it is staggering how reliant the club still is on Bruno. It’s no surprise that the Brazilian’s longest injury layoff since signing coincided with Newcastle’s form falling off a cliff. It would be disastrous if he were to leave. Luckily, I’m almost certain he won’t.
Jacob Ramsey
More is yet to come from Ramsey, and although he has impressed at times, I think we have far from seen his best. He will still be a Newcastle player next season, and now that he’s been bedded in, I think he will get a big uptick in minutes.
Joelinton
It’s been an up-and-down season for cult hero and fan favourite big Joe, who has never really got going, with a string of injuries having held him back. I don’t think he will be going anywhere, and there is hope that after a rest over the summer, he will get back to his dominating best.
Lewis Miley
It’s been a coming-of-age season for young Miley, who has been a shining light in an otherwise dim campaign. Never mind the starlet being a Newcastle player in 26/27, he has the potential to play a starring role in the 2040’s.
Joe Willock
Willock has been a good servant, but if Newcastle are to progress to the next level, then it’s time to cut ties.
Anthony Gordon
The peculiar case of Anthony Gordon. The scouse maverick’s deal runs until 2030, so Newcastle are in a good position to sell, which I think they will do this summer, but again, only if the offer comes in.
Harvey Barnes
Barnes is a strange one – there is definitely a player there, but when he doesn’t record a direct goal contribution, he can go missing for large parts of games. He is an experienced and proven Premier League player, though, and I think it would be the wrong move to let him go, which I don’t think he will.
Anthony Elanga
The Swede has unequivocally endured a miserable first season at Newcastle. Stylistically, he doesn’t fit Eddie Howe’s system, and he has failed to capitalise when given opportunities. I think it would be best for all parties if the club cut their losses with Elanga, but the question is, where does he go? I have the sneaky feeling that he will remain on Tyneside. If that is the case, the only way is up!
Jacob Murphy
Murphy has absolutely fulfilled his potential and some, making the most of every ounce of talent he has, which he deserves plaudits for. He shouldn’t be a starter next season, but I expect him to remain a Newcastle player.
Nick Woltemade
He has taken a lot of flak, but there is definitely a player there! As has been seen with countless other imports to the Premier League, many take a season to catch up with the pace of the game, which I think is the case with Woltemade. At a difficult time for the club, he has had a steady first campaign, and I think in the right system, Newcastle will see the best of him. I’d be shocked if he left over the summer.
Yoane Wissa
Wissa is a tricky one. You don’t score 19 Premier League goals in a season if you’re not a good player. But missing the entirety of pre-season while on strike at Brentford, followed by a knee injury, entirely nullified the Congolese striker’s season, who has not been able to show anywhere near his best in a Newcastle shirt. I think the club will cash in if they can recoup some of that huge £55 million outlay.
William Osula
Osula has quietly improved year on year at St James’ Park, putting in his best season this campaign. Howe likes him and his work effort, and although he’s a saleable asset, I think he will remain a Newcastle player.