Newcastle United’s summer transfer plans are taking shape, with significant decisions looming over several players. While the club debates new contracts for Paul Dummett and Matt Ritchie, one player’s departure seems certain.
Newcastle United’s Pre-Season Tour Squad Selection
After securing a top-seven finish with a victory over Brentford on the final day of the Premier League season, Eddie Howe’s squad embarked on a trip to Australia for Melbourne’s ‘Global Football Week.’ The 29-man squad, which includes both senior players and emerging talents, will face Tottenham Hotspur and the A-League All Stars. Notably, Harrison Ashby and Garang Kuol have returned from loan spells to join the team.
Despite their uncertain futures, Dummett and Ritchie, whose contracts expire next month, are part of the travelling squad. Howe has hinted at the possibility of extending their stays. However, Loris Karius is notably absent from the tour, signalling his impending exit from the club.
Loris Karius Journey and Departure
The former Liverpool goalkeeper joined Newcastle as a free agent in September 2022. Despite being a regular presence on matchdays, providing backup for Martin Dubravka and covering for Nick Pope during his shoulder surgery recovery, Karius’s appearances have been limited. He featured in the Carabao Cup final loss to Manchester United and a Premier League match against Arsenal in February.
Karius, now 30, has expressed a desire to continue his career in Italy, where his partner Diletta Leotta and their daughter reside. In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport in March, Karius stated, “I want to play more. I would like to sign for an Italian club and I have chosen the agency of Claudio Marchisio to represent me.”
Leotta echoed these sentiments, describing Newcastle as “very inconvenient” due to the lack of direct flights from Milan. She expressed hope that Karius would find a club in Italy, such as Monza, to be closer to his family.
Key Players Absent from the Australia Tour
While Karius’s departure appears imminent, other senior players have also stayed behind due to various reasons:
Martin Dubravka: The Slovakian goalkeeper was on the bench against Brentford but did not travel to Australia.
Sven Botman: The defender is recovering from an ACL injury and is expected to return in late 2024.
Jamaal Lascelles: The club captain is also recovering from an ACL injury and will be out for a significant period.
Tino Livramento: Livramento missed the final two games of the season due to an ankle injury.
Matt Targett: Targett has been sidelined since November with a hamstring injury followed by an Achilles problem.
Sean Longstaff: Longstaff has played much of the season with a foot injury.
Lewis Miley: Miley’s breakthrough season ended prematurely in March due to a back injury.
Sandro Tonali: The Italian midfielder is banned from football until August but may participate in behind-closed-doors friendlies.
Joe Willock: Willock struggled with an Achilles injury throughout the 2023–24 campaign but should be back for pre-season.
Anthony Gordon: Gordon picked up an injury against Manchester United but is expected to recover in time for Euro 2024, if selected.
Newcastle United’s Future
As Newcastle United prepare for their Australian tour, the focus remains on solidifying the squad for the upcoming season. The departure of Loris Karius highlights the ongoing reshuffling within the team. Eddie Howe’s strategic decisions during this period will be crucial in maintaining the club’s upward trajectory.
Fans will be eager to see how the team performs in their upcoming matches and how the management navigates the transfer market to bolster the squad. With potential contract renewals and new signings on the horizon, Newcastle United is poised for an exciting and transformative summer.
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