The 7 players set to leave Newcastle United this summer as £20M deal agreed
The echoes of celebration still linger in the air, but the reality of football’s relentless pace means Newcastle United must swiftly shift focus from their historic Carabao Cup triumph to the challenges ahead.
Ending a 56-year trophy drought was a monumental achievement, one that brought Eddie Howe, his players, and the passionate Toon Army together in an unforgettable display of unity. The streets of Newcastle overflowed with jubilant supporters, a sea of black and white reveling in a long-awaited moment of glory.
Yet, the season is far from over. With ten crucial Premier League fixtures remaining, Champions League qualification remains within reach—a tantalizing prospect that could further elevate the club’s resurgence.
Beyond the current campaign, the summer transfer window looms large, promising both excitement and inevitable change. While new signings will dominate headlines, departures are equally significant, reshaping the squad for the battles ahead.
Among those likely to exit St. James’ Park is Fabian Schär, whose contract expires this summer. The Swiss defender has been a reliable presence at the back, and though negotiations for an extension are underway, nothing has been finalized. His experience and composure would be a loss, but Newcastle must weigh their options carefully.
Club captain Jamaal Lascelles also faces an uncertain future. After nine seasons with the Magpies, the 31-year-old’s tenure could be drawing to a close. A devastating ACL injury has kept him sidelined for a full year, raising questions about his ability to reclaim a starting role.
Loyalty and leadership are invaluable, but football is a ruthless business—especially for a club with rising ambitions.
Then there’s Callum Wilson, a striker whose talent is undeniable but whose fitness has been a persistent concern. Since arriving from Bournemouth in 2020, he has netted 49 goals in 120 appearances, proving himself as a lethal finisher.
Yet his recurring injuries have left Newcastle in a difficult position. Do they offer him a new deal, banking on his quality, or seek a more durable alternative? The decision won’t be made lightly.
In goal, veteran John Ruddy finds himself as fourth choice, a role that hardly promises longevity. The 38-year-old joined on a free transfer last summer, but his impact has been minimal.
Similarly, Mark Gillespie remains a peripheral figure, last featuring competitively nearly five years ago. Despite Eddie Howe’s appreciation for his professionalism, first-team opportunities seem unlikely.
Jamal Lewis’s time at Newcastle appears to be nearing its end. A loan spell at Brazilian side São Paulo was cut short by an ankle injury, and his last competitive appearance for the Magpies dates back to May 2023. Once a promising full-back, his career has stalled, and a fresh start elsewhere seems inevitable.
Perhaps the most definitive departure is Lloyd Kelly, currently on loan at Juventus. The Italian giants have a £20 million obligation to buy, meaning his permanent exit is all but confirmed. While his potential was once highly regarded, his path at Newcastle has been blocked by the club’s evolving ambitions.
As the summer approaches, Newcastle United stands at a crossroads. Balancing sentiment with progression is never easy, but in the pursuit of sustained success, tough choices must be made.
The Carabao Cup victory was just the beginning—now, the club must build wisely to ensure it isn’t a fleeting moment of glory. The players leaving will take pieces of the club’s recent history with them, but the focus must remain on crafting a future worthy of the Toon Army’s unwavering belief.
The transfer window will reveal much about Newcastle’s next steps. Will they prioritize stability or pursue bold reinvention? One thing is certain: the decisions made this summer will shape the trajectory of a club determined to reclaim its place among football’s elite.