Six players set to say goodbye to Newcastle United fans against Everton including 49-goal star and £10m ace
Newcastle United’s Season Finale Could Mark the End of an Era for Several Players
As Newcastle United gear up for their final Premier League fixture of the season against Everton, it’s not just European qualification that hangs in the balance. Sunday’s match at St James’ Park could serve as the final appearance in black and white for a number of players, with the club preparing for a busy and potentially transformative summer transfer window.
Following a frustrating setback against Arsenal, Newcastle still have Champions League qualification in their sights. They currently sit fourth in the table, but the margins are razor-thin. Just a single point separates them from Nottingham Forest in seventh place, meaning anything less than a win could prove costly. Securing a top-four finish would see them return to Europe’s elite competition for the second time in three seasons—a significant achievement under Eddie Howe.
This final league result will also play a pivotal role in shaping Newcastle’s summer transfer plans. Sporting director Paul Mitchell is reportedly prepared to sanction the signings of high-profile players if Champions League qualification is secured. However, if the club instead drops into the Europa League, the recruitment strategy may shift toward younger, more developmental talent.
Regardless of the outcome, Newcastle are expected to have a healthy budget of around £150 million to spend in the upcoming window. But in order to accommodate new arrivals, several players could be heading for the exit door. Here are six individuals who might be bidding farewell to Tyneside after Sunday’s clash.
Callum Wilson – A Frustrated Final Chapter
Callum Wilson’s time at Newcastle appears to be drawing to a close. Since joining for £20 million in 2020, the England international has contributed 49 goals across 129 appearances. However, this season has been a struggle. Now 33, Wilson has been reduced to a squad role following the emergence of Alexander Isak, who has firmly established himself as the club’s top striker.
Wilson has failed to score in any of his 17 Premier League appearances this season and was largely anonymous in his latest start against Arsenal. His contract expires at the end of the season, and with no extension in sight, his five-year stay could be about to end. It was also revealed that Wilson missed an automatic contract renewal clause that depended on a minimum number of appearances—another indication that his time may be up.
Sean Longstaff – Academy Product Facing the Exit
Sean Longstaff, the only academy graduate on this list, is another player likely on his way out. Once viewed as a cornerstone of the club’s future, the midfielder has seen his role diminish dramatically. After starting the first four games of the campaign, he quickly lost his place following the return of Sandro Tonali from his suspension.
In 2025, Longstaff has managed only 76 minutes of league action. A move away from Newcastle seems inevitable, especially after he came close to leaving in the January transfer window. Valued at around £10 million, Longstaff has been linked with a move to either Everton or Leeds United. A strong performance on Sunday could act as a farewell audition, especially with Toffees manager David Moyes reportedly keeping tabs.
Interestingly, despite replacing Longstaff in the starting XI, Tonali recently called him the most underrated teammate he’s ever played with—a testament to his quiet influence behind the scenes.
Martin Dubravka – The End of a Stalwart’s Chapter
Veteran goalkeeper Martin Dubravka may also be set to leave after spending the second half of the season on the bench. He came close to departing in January, nearly finalizing a move to Saudi club Al-Shabab before Eddie Howe convinced him to stay and sign a short-term extension.
Since then, Dubravka has lost his place to Nick Pope, who returned from injury to reclaim the No. 1 jersey. The Slovakian has not featured since February, and with Newcastle targeting Burnley’s James Trafford this summer, Dubravka’s time looks to be up.
Although under contract until the end of next season, it’s difficult to envision the 35-year-old staying put, particularly with Celtic reportedly showing renewed interest.
Matt Targett – From Promising Loan to Injury-Plagued Spell
Matt Targett’s journey at Newcastle began with promise during a successful loan stint, but injuries and form have derailed his progress since making the move permanent in 2022. The 29-year-old has struggled to stay fit and has now fallen completely out of favour.
With Lewis Hall firmly established as the first-choice left-back, and Tino Livramento—even as a natural right-back—preferred in Hall’s absence, Targett’s prospects for game time next season appear bleak. His departure seems likely, and reports suggest he could be used as a makeweight in a potential deal to bring Tyler Dibling from Southampton, a move that was also discussed in January.
John Ruddy – A Veteran Voice Likely to Move On
Veteran goalkeeper John Ruddy was a surprise addition last summer but has yet to make a competitive appearance. The 38-year-old has been praised by Howe for his leadership and influence in training, with the manager describing him as a “vital” presence behind the scenes.
While Ruddy did feature on the bench for the recent clash against Arsenal, there is little expectation that he will make his debut. With James Trafford’s signing imminent and UEFA requiring a quota of club-trained players, Ruddy’s future remains uncertain. He may be retained in a non-playing capacity, but a summer departure appears the more probable outcome.
Mark Gillespie – The Fan-Favourite With an Unlikely Future
Mark Gillespie, another goalkeeper and a lifelong Newcastle fan, is also approaching the end of his contract. Despite spending five years at the club, the 33-year-old has never made a Premier League appearance and has again played no competitive minutes this season.
There have been whispers about a possible extension, but nothing has been confirmed. Given the club’s ambitions and need to refresh the squad, Gillespie could be released this summer to make space for new arrivals. Like Ruddy, he has been commended by Howe for setting high standards in training—a role he has embraced with professionalism and pride.
Looking Ahead
As Newcastle prepare to host Everton on Sunday, the atmosphere at St James’ Park will be a mix of excitement, hope, and perhaps a touch of farewell sentiment. While fans will be focused on securing that vital Champions League berth, they may also be witnessing the final curtain for some familiar faces. With a summer of significant change looming, the result of this final match could shape the club’s trajectory for years to come—both on and off the pitch.