Five Newcastle United players who could face January exits as transfer plans take shape

Newcastle United may have some tough decisions to face when the January transfer window opens, after five first-team players could be left wondering about their futures.

Newcastle may want to bring in new players to help them after a disappointing run of performances under Matthias Jaissle, but this could only happen if players are sold to give them space in the squad.

Joe Willock, Nick Pope, Anthony Elanga, Jacob Murphy and Yoane Wissa could all find themselves under scrutiny as Newcastle consider their options.

Joe Willock and Nick Pope face contract decisions

Willock’s future could become one of Newcastle’s main talking points in January.

The midfielder has played in all games this season and has scored three goals. However, Jaissle clearly appreciates what he brings to the team. The midfielder’s contract runs out next summer, and Besiktas have already shown an interest in the player.

This means that Newcastle could lose Willock for nothing if they let him run out of contract. It might be a good move then to sell him in January.

Nick Pope faces a similar situation.

Despite being linked with a summer exit, there has been no acceptable offer for the goalkeeper. His contract also runs out next year, meaning the Magpies have a decision to make on whether to cash in on him now.

Pope can still offer experience and may interest teams looking for a reliable goalkeeper. However, Newcastle may find it difficult to get a large amount of money for him in January.

Elanga and Murphy could make way for attacking reinforcements

Anthony Elanga’s situation is less straightforward.

Newcastle have spent a lot to bring in the winger.

He started well with positive performances against Liverpool and Tottenham but has struggled of late.

Jaissle seems to believe in the Swede, so it might not be a priority to move him in January. However, Elanga needs to get back to his best to be a regular in the manager’s plans.

Jacob Murphy could also attract attention.

Newcastle turned down interest from Nottingham Forest at the end of the summer transfer window, but this may change if they need to bring in some funds.

Murphy brings quality and experience from the flanks but at present is behind Elanga in the pecking order.

This could mean he does not get many chances at Newcastle with another club offering him a more regular spot.

Wissa’s future could depend on Newcastle’s striker plans

Yoane Wissa – possibly the most exciting name on the list.

Wissa was bought by Newcastle for £55 million from Brentford back in 2025 and has failed to hit the heights so far.

The forward has scored four goals for the Magpies, including two in the Premier League. However, like Elanga, he has started well under Jaissle but has seen his form dip.

Newcastle need more consistency up front, which could affect their January recruitment and transfer plans.

It would be a big decision to sell Wissa given the amount the club has invested in him, but they will also have to consider if they can get a decent amount of their transfer fee back.

But if they can find a more suitable striker, then Wissa’s place may be under threat.

While none of the five are guaranteed to leave, it may mean that Newcastle have to reconsider their squad in January.

If they want to improve their attacking options and fix other issues within their squad, they may have to make some tough decisions.