Following the conclusion of the 2023-24 season, Newcastle United aren’t wasting any time in preparing for the new campaign. And there will be a determination to come back bigger and stronger, and learn from the challenges the previous term brought.
The Magpies finished 7th in the Premier League table, only to be denied a Europa Conference League spot by Manchester United’s FA Cup final win over Manchester City But if you take an alternative view, securing European football was firmly in Newcastle’s hands.
And ultimately, inconsistent form - mainly away from home - and injuries took its toll. A learning curve yes, but there will little acceptance for a similar theme next season, not least when you consider there are no extra games.
Recruitment, of course, will be key, and who the Magpies are planning to recruit could be determined by who leaves. Their transfer business will again be impacted by Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) and offloading players will help maximise their budget.
Here, NewcastleWorld takes a look at three who will definitely be leaving St James’ Park this summer - and five that could:
1. WILL: Paul Dummett
Dummett turns 33 in September having made his senior debut 11 years ago. He has gone on to amass 213 appearances for his boyhood club, although 13 of those have come in the past three seasons. | Getty Images
2. COULD: Matt Targett
Targett has started just seven Premier League matches since joining permanently from Aston Villa two years ago. An injury hit campaign and the emergence of Lewis Hall could bring his time on Tyneside to an end if there are any takers. | Getty Images
3. WILL: Matt Ritchie
Ritchie has appeared 215 times since joining from AFC Bournemouth in 2016 but similar to Dummett has rarely featured in recent seasons. A leader behind the scenes but is way down the pecking order. Photo: George Wood/Getty Images
4. COULD: Martin Dubravka
The Slovakian has played the majority of games this season but Nick Pope’s return will edge him out of the team again. Has entered the final year of his contract and still harbours ambitions of being a No.1. | Getty Images