Newcastle United are expected to have a busy summer transfer window of incomings and outgoings as the Saudi Public Investment Fund look to rebuild the project on Tyneside.
PIF have reiterated their commitment to the football club amid changes in investment strategy. However, owners will want more from the Magpies than they have achieved this term.
Eddie Howe took his side to the Round of 16 in the Champions League but the team was unceremoniously dumped out of the competition by Barcelona. Newcastle are also set to miss out on European football next term after a dismal run of league form, which has seen losses to Sunderland, Crystal Palace and AFC Bournemouth.
Newcastle United set for summer transfer rebuild
It’s a well-known fact that Newcastle are beginning to focus on signing young players and looking to sell those rising stars on for a profit, rather than recruiting proven Premier League talents, as has been favoured under Howe.
Johan Martínez is the latest youngster snapped up by the club after increased effort in scouting. Meanwhile, key plays including Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Tino Livramento have all been linked with moves away as the club looks to meet financial regulations.
John Ruddy to leave club on contract expiry
The Daily Mail reporter Craig Hope has confirmed one player who will certainly leave St James’ Park this summer and provide a small relief for the wage book. That is goalkeeper John Ruddy.
The 39-year-old joined Newcastle in July 2024 after leaving Birmingham City as a free agent. Ruddy initially signed a one-year contract and then extended that for another 12 months last summer.
The shot stopper has never made a senior appearance for the club but is said to be a ‘hugely popular veteran’. It remained unknown whether Ruddy would be offered another extension to keep his influence on the training ground, but Hope cites club sources who confirm that his departure has been agreed.
It’s added that Ruddy’s departure could open up the chance for Mark Gillespie, who is also out of contract, to sign an extension. Gillespie would remain in the role of training goalkeeper.
The former Norwich City and Wolves star has made 122 Premier League appearances in his career. He won the Championship with Wolves in 2018 and has a Carabao Cup winners medal with the Magpies.
When joining the club in 2024, Ruddy said: “This is a massive club and it’s a massive opportunity, so I’m really excited to get started.
“It was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down. It’s a huge, huge club which is only going one way and to be a part of that, however big or small, is going to be very pleasing and very exciting.”
In other news, Why Nick Woltemade has not been playing for Newcastle United – Eddie Howe explains.
