Newcastle United agree on four summer signings as double £28m swoop complete

The summer transfer window is officially open! Strap yourselves in Newcastle United fans, because it’s expected to be a busy one.

Expect rumours galore, some genuine but plenty fake up until the very last second of the 11pm deadline on Friday, August 30.

To mark the opening of the summer market, NewcastleWorld takes a look at the deals the Magpies have already finalise, the deals they hope to complete and the players who will, or could be leaving.

Newcastle United have already agreed two deals

There are two players that will officially join Newcastle United on Monday, July 1.

On Thursday afternoon, the Magpies announced the arrival of Lloyd Kelly on a free transfer from AFC Bournemouth. The 25-year-old has penned a five-year deal, including an option of a further year, and will wear the number 25 shirt.

Kelly has previously attracted interest from a number of clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur, while European teams such as Roma and Atletico Madrid had reportedly contacted Kelly’s representatives in recent weeks.

But the versatile defender, who is capable of playing centre-back or left-back, has opted to reunite with Eddie Howe, the manager who signed him for the Cherries five years ago from Bristol City for £13million.

Commenting on his move, Kelly said: “It's amazing to be coming here. I know how big the club is and how much it means to all the fans, and I just want to hit the ground running and get to work.

“It’s a big move for myself and the family - of course being down south is a bit different - but I think the city of Newcastle is amazing, with the contrast between city life and the countryside.

“It wasn't a hard decision for me to come here. Working with the gaffer previously, I know what he wants from his players and how he wants his players to play, and I think with what I can bring it just makes sense. I just can't wait to get started.”

Meanwhile, Lewis Hall will complete his move from Chelsea. The 19-year-old spent last season on loan and Newcastle have triggered the performance-related criteria to turn his switch permanent for an initial £28million.

What other incomings are Newcastle United looking to seal?

Newcastle are still open to recruiting another centre-back alongside Kelly after missing out on Tosin Adarabioyo to Chelsea. Howe will start next season without two of his centre-backs with Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles ruled out until late 2024 with ACL injuries.

A goalkeeper is also on the wanted list with Loris Karius leaving and uncertainty surrounding Martin Dubravka’s future.

United have been strongly linked with Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale and Valencia’s Giorgi Mamardashvili but are currently pursuing a deal for Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford.

It’s understood the 21-year-old is very keen on a move to St James’ Park with personal terms, as per some outlets, already agreed. Talks between United and Burnley are ongoing with the recently relegated club eyeing a fee north of £20m.

Trafford, whose £19m move from Manchester City last summer made his the third most expensive English goalkeeper of all-time, endured a difficult campaign at Turf Moor but remains highly-rated. Howe sees Trafford as someone who can act as an understudy to Nick Pope before rivalling him for the No.1 jersey,

A striker and a right-sided forward remain high on the agenda but that could be dependent on who departs in the coming weeks or months. For the latter, Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise is a top target but it will be a very, very hard deal to do with several other Premier League clubs interest.

And what about outgoings?

As announced by Newcastle last month, long-serving duo Matt Ritchie and Paul Dummet along with Karius, Jeff Hendrick and Kelland Watts will leave on June 30 when their contracts expire. Expected to join those players out of exit door are Ryan Fraser, Isaac Hayden and Jamal Lewis.

Fraser is in line to re-join Southampton after playing a key role in their immediate return to the Premier League. Hayden enjoyed a successful half-season loan at Queens Park Rangers and is keen on a return, although that could be dependent on reaching a mutual settlement with Newcastle to terminate his contract, which doesn’t expire until 2026. 

Watford had an option to turn Lewis’ loan into a permanent but have decided against it.

Who could leave Newcastle United?

Arguably Newcastle’s most sellable assets asides from Bruno Guimaraes, Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon — three players United are determined to keep hold of — are Miguel Almiron, Callum Wilson and Kieran Trippier who, coincidentally, all attracted interest in January.

Almiron was the closest to leaving following an approach from a Saudi Pro League club, believed to be Al Shabab, but the Paraguayan opted to remain on Tyneside and reassess his future this summer. Saudi interest remains, however other clubs across Europe and afar could also come to the table.

Wilson and Trippier also have a big decision to make on their futures. The England pair are in the twilight of their respective careers and have just 12 months remaining on their contracts. NewcastleWorld understands a move to Saudi Arabia is a possibility, for Trippier in particular.

And just to add to the Guimaraes and Isak talk, it is our understanding that Manchester City, as it stands, are unlikely to trigger Guimaraes’ £100m release clause — valid until the end of June, while Arsenal-linked Isak is simply isn’t for sale.

Meanwhile, the Daily Telegraph reported over the weekend that Newcastle could reluctantly cash in on Yankuba Minteh just a year after signing him from Danish outfit Odense Boldklub for £7million. The Gambian winger hasn’t yet kicked a ball for Howe’s side after immediately being loaned to Feyenoord, where he caught the eye during the second-half of the season.

Elsewhere, Newcastle will also look to finalise loans for some of their youngers players, including Garang Kuol and Harrison Ashby, who spent last term at FC Volendam and Swansea City, respectively.