Eddie Howe has admitted players will leave Newcastle United this summer - and NewcastleWorld assesses who should stay and who should go.
The Magpies have already confirmed Matt Ritchie, Paul Dummett, Loris Karius and Kelland Watts will be leaving when their contracts expire on June 30, but there still plenty of decisions to be made as the club looks to maximise its transfer budget under Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
Bruno Guimaraes and Alexander Isak have admirers across the globe but Howe is determined to keep hold of his star duo. He faces a slightly nervous wait with Guimaraes’ £100million release clause active until late June. Isak, meanwhile, is arguably worth at least double the £63m Newcastle paid to sign him from Real Sociedad two years ago.
But beyond those prized assets, there are players facing uncertain futures. Howe said last month: “There'll have to be movement out. But I think there's no specific bracket or brand or type of player, however you want to look at it, that's assigned to that.”
Callum Wilson remains a top quality Premier League striker but his injury record, coupled with the fact he turns 33 next year and is into the final 12 months of his contract, has given both Newcastle and the England man a decision to make. He will have takers across Europe and the Middle East.
Elsewhere, Miguel Almiron has attracted serious interest from the Saudi Pro League and his right wing position has been identified as a key area to strengthen this summer. Newcastle are said to be open to a sale but a move may come down to the 29-year-old Paraguayan himself.
And then there is Kieran Trippier. He too has been linked with a move to Saudi as the 33-year-old enters the final year of his deal.
Here, we assess Newcastle’s squad and give our verdict on who should stay or go:
1. Nick Pope - KEEP
You only have to look at the goals conceded since Pope’s injury last season to remember he is the club’s undisputed No.1. Newcastle, however, may look to bring in someone to challenge him, or at least be an understudy. | Getty Images
2. Martin Dubravka - KEEP
The Slovakian may fancy a move elsewhere in a bid to stay first choice. Nick Pope's comeback and Newcastle's search for a goalkeeper will see Dubravka slip back down the pecking order. | Getty Images
3. Loris Karius - LET GO
There aren’t many No.3 goalkeepers who have played in a Champions League final! Out-of-contract this summer and is expected to join a club in Italy where his family are based. | AFP via Getty Images
4. Mark Gillespie - KEEP
Gillespie is fourth choice and hasn’t played a first-team game since 2020 but Howe values his contributions behind the scenes. | Getty Images