JUST IN: Eddie Howe tells PIF the five Newcastle United players he wants to sell this summer
Newcastle United Fans Expect Major Summer Overhaul as Eddie Howe Prepares for Champions League Campaign
With Newcastle United securing a coveted return to the UEFA Champions League, expectations on Tyneside are rising—and so is the pressure on manager Eddie Howe to reshape his squad. A significant clear-out is anticipated during the summer transfer window, as the club looks to strengthen its roster for Europe’s elite competition.
At one point during the 2024/25 Premier League season, Newcastle’s Champions League hopes appeared to be fading fast. After a heavy defeat away at Brentford in December, the Magpies found themselves languishing in mid-table, seemingly out of contention for the top four. Few could have predicted what came next.
That loss sparked a dramatic turnaround in form. Newcastle went on a stunning run of nine consecutive victories across all competitions, a sequence that reignited their European ambitions and galvanized the fanbase. Their push for a top-four finish culminated in a nail-biting conclusion on the final day of the season, with supporters anxiously awaiting confirmation of their place among Europe’s elite. When the dust settled, jubilation erupted across St James’ Park—Newcastle had done just enough to qualify for the Champions League.
Following their qualification, key midfielder Bruno Guimarães publicly called for serious investment in the squad. Having been part of the 2023 Champions League campaign, Guimarães expressed concerns that the current team lacks the depth and quality required to compete at the highest level.
The club reportedly has a minimum transfer budget of £150 million to work with this summer, which could rise further depending on outgoing player sales. And with that in mind, Eddie Howe is preparing for a potential squad overhaul.
Five Players Set for Potential Exit
According to a recent report by The Athletic, Howe has identified five first-team players who could be moved on to free up funds and squad space for new arrivals. Among those named is long-time servant and local product Sean Longstaff.
Longstaff, 27, enjoyed a prominent role during the previous campaign, benefiting from Sandro Tonali’s suspension. However, with Tonali now back in action, Longstaff has found himself on the fringes of the squad. He managed just 25 appearances during the 2024/25 season, many of which came from the bench. Despite being one of the few club-trained players—essential for Champions League squad regulations—Howe appears willing to part ways with the midfielder.
In addition to Longstaff, four other players are reportedly on the chopping block:
Martin Dúbravka
Odysseas Vlachodimos
Isaac Hayden
Matt Targett
All five have seen a marked decline in game time, with some barely featuring in the Premier League this season. Their potential departures could clear the way for new signings, especially in areas where Newcastle lacked depth or consistent quality throughout the campaign.
Key Players Newcastle Intend to Keep
While certain players are being earmarked for exit, retaining core members of the squad is equally vital. With rumors circulating about interest in some of their standout performers, Newcastle are prioritizing contract talks and long-term planning for eight key players.
As per The Athletic, the following names are considered untouchable this summer:
Nick Pope
Joe Willock
Harvey Barnes
Kieran Trippier
Alexander Isak
Anthony Gordon
Tino Livramento
Sandro Tonali
Some of these names come as no surprise—Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon, for instance, were standout performers and have attracted serious interest from other Premier League clubs. Howe, however, remains firm in his stance: these players are essential to Newcastle’s ambitions and are not for sale.
Joe Willock’s inclusion on the retention list may raise eyebrows among fans. The midfielder struggled for form throughout the season and has been linked with a summer move to Crystal Palace. Many supporters had written him off as a potential makeweight in a proposed deal for Palace defender Marc Guéhi, a player Howe is known to admire. However, the manager’s faith in Willock suggests the 25-year-old may still have a role to play next season.
Looking Ahead
As the summer transfer window looms, Newcastle United find themselves at a crossroads. With Champions League football back on the calendar, the stakes are higher than ever. Eddie Howe must navigate a delicate balancing act: reinforcing the squad with quality signings, offloading surplus players, and retaining the core group that powered their resurgence.
With a substantial budget, ambitious targets, and a clear directive from both fans and club hierarchy, Newcastle’s summer promises to be one of the most active and consequential in recent memory. All eyes will now be on Tyneside as the Magpies prepare to make their mark on the European stage once again.