Newcastle plan four signings and two big earners could move on – The Telegraph

After three consecutive transfer windows without any first-team signings and a series of January departures aimed at strengthening the club’s financial position, Newcastle United faces a crucial summer at St. James’ Park.

Several areas of the squad have stagnated, and fresh investment is essential to bolster Eddie Howe’s side, particularly as they continue to push for Champions League qualification.

The recent three-game suspension for Anthony Gordon and the season-ending injury to Lewis Hall have only added to the challenges. However, with the club’s financial growth highlighted in the latest 2023/24 accounts and Darren Eales speaking optimistically about Newcastle’s plans for both on-field improvements and broader developments, there are still plenty of reasons for fans to remain hopeful.

As preparations for the upcoming transfer window intensify, new details have emerged regarding the key positions Newcastle intends to strengthen, along with three high-profile departures expected to trim the wage bill and improve the club’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) standing.

The club has identified four priority positions for recruitment, with significant investment anticipated. A goalkeeper is high on the list, as Nick Pope and Martin Dubravka have shared starting duties this season, but a new arrival is expected to challenge for the number-one spot.

James Trafford, a longstanding target, remains a name of interest, and his potential signing could materialize regardless of Burnley’s promotion push.

Defensive reinforcements are also a priority, particularly at center-back. Fabian Schär and Dan Burn have shown signs of decline, while Sven Botman’s recurring knee problems raise long-term concerns.

The club previously attempted to secure deals for Abdukodir Khusanov, now at Manchester City, and Crystal Palace’s Marc Guéhi but fell short in both pursuits. This summer, Newcastle is expected to reignite its search for a right-sided center-back to solidify the backline.

Further up the pitch, the club is eager to strengthen the right-wing position. Jacob Murphy has enjoyed a strong campaign, but Newcastle is keen to upgrade and add depth following Miguel Almirón’s January departure.

Several wingers have been linked, including Bryan Mbeumo, Antoine Semenyo, and Johan Bakayoko, all of whom would provide an upgrade and a much-needed attacking threat.

Another priority is securing a new striker, regardless of Alexander Isak’s future. Throughout the season, Newcastle has lacked a reliable alternative to the Swedish forward, with injuries frequently sidelining Callum Wilson.

With Wilson’s contract situation uncertain, a new center-forward is seen as essential to providing consistent firepower in the attacking third.

While incoming transfers are crucial, Newcastle also plans to offload several high-profile players to free up wages and improve their PSR standing. Reports suggest that Kieran Trippier and Callum Wilson, two of the club’s highest earners, are expected to depart.

At 34 and 33 years old, respectively, both players have moved past their peak years, and their exits would provide significant financial relief.

Wilson’s contract is set to expire in the summer, and Newcastle appears unlikely to trigger the one-year extension clause. His ongoing injury struggles have severely limited his impact this season, and he has failed to rediscover the form that once made him a key figure in the squad. The club views this summer as the ideal time to part ways and seek a younger, more durable replacement.

Trippier, who arrived in January 2022 as a statement signing from Atlético Madrid, initially played a crucial role in stabilizing the defense. However, a series of costly errors during the 2023/24 season led to Tino Livramento cementing his place in the starting lineup.

With the 21-year-old emerging as a long-term solution at right-back, Trippier’s departure appears increasingly likely as Newcastle looks to refresh its squad.

Another potential exit involves Sean Longstaff, whose future has been the subject of speculation for years. Once linked with a £50 million move to Manchester United, the academy graduate now finds himself behind Lewis Miley and Joe Willock in the midfield hierarchy. With just over a year remaining on his contract, Newcastle sees this summer as the final opportunity to secure a transfer fee before he potentially leaves for free.

In addition to these expected departures, the club may offload other squad players to create room for reinforcements. Player trading will be a key aspect of Newcastle’s summer strategy, as they aim to balance financial sustainability with squad improvements.

Despite the need for outgoings, the club remains committed to ambitious recruitment, ensuring that any departures are offset by high-quality signings capable of elevating the team’s performance.

With Champions League qualification still within reach, Newcastle must navigate this crucial transfer window carefully. The right additions could transform Eddie Howe’s squad into a stronger, more competitive unit, while smart player sales will ensure financial stability.

The upcoming months will define the club’s trajectory, and fans will be eager to see how the recruitment strategy unfolds as Newcastle looks to position itself among England’s elite.