The fans at St James’ Park have spoken, and their message to the Newcastle United hierarchy is loud, clear, and perhaps a little ruthless. In a recent comprehensive survey asking supporters to decide which players should be kept or sold, the results have highlighted a growing divide between the established core and a group of players struggling to prove their worth.
While the majority of the squad still enjoys overwhelming support, a few high-profile names including some very expensive recent signings are finding themselves on increasingly thin ice with the Tyneside faithful.
At the very top of the “must-keep” list, it is heartening to see local talent leading the way. Young Lewis Miley has achieved a staggering 99 percent approval rating, narrowly beating out summer arrival Malick Thiaw and the consistently impressive Lewis Hall.
This trio, along with stalwarts like Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali, forms a foundation that the fans are desperate to see the club build upon. Harvey Barnes has also seen his stock rise significantly, likely fueled by his clinical goal-scoring exploits throughout this campaign. It is evident that when players deliver on the pitch, the Geordie supporters are quick to offer their unwavering loyalty.
However, the survey reveals a darker picture for several others. Most notably, three players who arrived only last summer Anthony Elanga, Aaron Ramsdale on loan, and Jacob Ramsey appear to have failed to win over the crowd. Elanga’s situation is particularly striking.
Despite Newcastle shelling out £55 million to bring the Swedish winger in from Nottingham Forest, less than half of the fans believe he is worth keeping. While it is highly improbable that the club would give up on such a significant investment so soon, it serves as a wake-up call for the winger to rediscover the form that prompted his arrival.
The “expendables” list also features some long-serving names whose time in black and white seems to be drawing to a close. Club captain Jamaal Lascelles received a mere 6.3 percent backing to stay, amid reports that West Ham might be interested in his services.
Perhaps more surprising is the fall from grace for Joe Willock. Once a hero for his incredible scoring streak during a loan spell from Arsenal, Willock now finds himself with a lowly 14.3 percent approval rating, hampered by several seasons of limited first-team opportunities.
| Player | Keep Rating (%) | Category |
| Lewis Miley | 99.0% | Must Keep |
| Malick Thiaw | 98.4% | Must Keep |
| Bruno Guimaraes | 97.9% | Must Keep |
| Anthony Gordon | 80.2% | Question Mark |
| Nick Pope | 71.9% | Question Mark |
| Aaron Ramsdale | 55.6% | Question Mark |
| Anthony Elanga | 48.6% | Sell |
| Joe Willock | 14.3% | Sell |
| Jamaal Lascelles | 6.3% | Sell |
One of the most intriguing results centers on Anthony Gordon. Although he is widely expected to be a key part of the England squad for the upcoming World Cup, his approval rating at Newcastle has dipped to 80.2 percent.
While this is still a strong majority, it is a noticeable decline from previous highs. It suggests a growing frustration among the fanbase regarding the gap between Gordon’s undeniable potential and his actual output during matches.
Similarly, the goalkeeping department is causing some anxiety. Neither the current number one, Nick Pope, nor his deputy Aaron Ramsdale, managed to secure particularly high scores, reflecting a general sense of unease regarding the last line of defense.
This data sends a pointed message to Eddie Howe and the recruitment team as the January transfer window progresses. While the immediate priority remains the defense due to recent injury setbacks, the fans are clearly signaling that the flanks need urgent attention.
Outside of Harvey Barnes, the attacking wide positions lack a player the fans feel completely confident in. With players like Emil Krafth and Will Osula also falling into the “sell” category, the squad looks set for a significant shake-up in the coming months.
Ultimately, the survey proves that past reputation only carries a player so far at a club with ambitions as high as Newcastle’s. Whether it is a seasoned veteran like Kieran Trippier, who barely scraped past the 50 percent mark, or a promising youngster like Jacob Ramsey, the demand for consistent excellence is non-negotiable.
As the Magpies push for a strong finish to the season, those in the “question mark” and “sell” categories have a dwindling window of time to change the narrative and prove they belong in Newcastle’s exciting future.
