- New signings haven’t adapted
- Errors and injuries lean towards exit
- Key player sale to help the project
Newcastle have endured a tough campaign, with poor performances in the Premier League and getting knocked out of all cup competitions. With drastic change seemingly inevitable, many players could be heading for the exit this summer.
From more experienced players not delivering, injuries keeping some out for far too long or new signings simply not adapting, there are many reasons why several players at St James’ Park could be on the chopping block.
Here is a look at five men in Eddie Howe’s squad who could potentially be set to leave the club ahead of the summer transfer window.
Yoane Wissa
Wissa was brought to Tyneside alongside Nick Woltemade to replace the outgoing Alexander Isak and revitalise their attack.
While the German has had critics, it’s mainly been down to him being played out of position; the same can’t be said for the DR Congo international.
Last season at Brentford, he scored 19 goals in the Premier League, forcing the Magpies to cough up £55 million for the 29-year-old.
This season, he looks like a different player with just one goal in the league and barely showing any of the threat he did at the Bees.
Injuries, goal output and overall lack of hard work have led to many Newcastle supporters questioning the future with Wissa at the club.
William Osula
The Danish forward arrived on Tyneside in 2024 from Sheffield United, and he was seen as a young prospect to offer rotation up front.
Two years on, the 22-year-old hasn’t really kicked on from his days in Yorkshire, with three league goals in 31 appearances.
He has played more under Howe recently and even rewarded the English manager’s trust in him with a late winner against Manchester United.
The Tynesiders know that they need attacking reinforcements in the summer, which may force Osula out of the picture.
With his increased playing time of late, now might be the perfect time to cash in on the forward, with his value being higher than ever.
Nick Pope
The English goalkeeper has been a solid part of Howe’s team ever since he joined the club from Burnley; however, it might be time for his departure.
He’s had his worst season to date at the club and has had several errors which have cost the St James’ Park outfit valuable points.
Following a major mistake against Everton in a defeat at home, he has lost his place to Aaron Ramsdale, who has played every minute since.
Ramsdale could join Newcastle in the summer; however, there is also a possibility he returns to Southampton.
With the club looking for a keeper that can bring stability and security at the back, the 33-year-old’s days at the Magpies could soon be numbered.
Joe Willock
The midfielder has been at the club for many years now, but due to the quality in the middle of the pitch, his numbers have been limited.
Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton and Sandro Tonali will always be in the starting XI ahead of the Englishman when they are fit.
If Howe is to remain in the dugout at St James Park next season, Woltemade’s inclusion in midfield has further limited Willock’s opportunities.
The 26-year-old has also faced a series of injury setbacks, which haven’t been ideal when Newcastle have needed to call on him.
He may look to move on in the summer for a search for more gametime, while the Magpies secure a more reliable backup.
Sandro Tonali
The most surprising, but Newcastle may look to move a key player from Howe’s troops, and the Italian could be that man.
He has established a core midfield trio alongside Joelinton and Guimaraes, which would make him a valuable target.
With Joelinton approaching his 30s and Guimaraes being central to the club’s leadership, Tonali may be the most valuable asset the club consider selling.
His agent has recently come out and spoken publicly about his client and two Premier League clubs.
Newcastle will want to continue their plan to become one of the biggest clubs in the world, but to take two steps forward, they may have to take one back, and Tonali’s sale could be one of those steps.
