Newcastle United have a host of players entering the final six months of their contracts.
The January transfer window is now open, and although large focus will be given to potential incomings, Newcastle United also have a host of contract situations to address.
It’s been a tough season for the Magpies so far, but back-to-back wins over Burnley and Crystal Palace have lifted them to ninth in the table, still just five points adrift of the Champions League places. But behind the scenes, contract discussions may be taking place, with no fewer than eight players in Eddie Howe’s squad now entering the final six months of their deals, meaning they’re free to negotiate elsewhere.
Who could leave Newcastle United for free this summer?
- Kieran Trippier (full-back, end of contract)
- Fabian Schar (centre-back, end of contract)
- Mark Gillespie (goalkeeper, end of contract)
- Jamaal Lascelles (centre-back, end of contract)
- Emil Krafth (full-back, end of contract)
- Nick Pope (goalkeeper, end of contract)
- Aaron Ramsdale (goalkeeper, end of loan)
- Max Thompson (goalkeeper, end of contract)
In terms of importance to the squad, the standout names on this list are Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schar, and goalkeepers Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale.
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The latter is, of course, on loan from Southampton, but the England international does have a permanent option. Ramsdale has played 11 games across all competitions so far this season, but found himself back on the bench for the wins over Burnley and Crystal Palace. Pope, meanwhile, is in the final six months of his Newcastle contract, but having been the established No.1 for three-and-a-half years now, the club will surely be taking strides to agree a new deal.
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Veteran defenders Kieran Trippier, Jamaal Lascelles, Emil Krafth and Fabian Schar are all nearing the ends of their deals, with the latter the most likely to get an extension, having played 56% of possible Premier League minutes this season. Back-up goalkeeper Mark Gillespie hasn’t featured in a matchday squad this season, while fellow gloveman Max Thompson has mostly played for Newcastle’s U23s, while also appearing on the bench in the Champions League.
There will also be some major decisions to be made heading into 2027, when the contract of veteran defender Dan Burn is up, alongside those of fellow key first-teamers Jacob Murphy, Joe Willock and Sven Botman.
What next for Newcastle United?
Newcastle will look to extend their winning run on Wednesday when they welcome Leeds United to St. James’ Park. It won’t be easy, though, with Daniel Farke’s men unbeaten in their last seven Premier League games in a run that’s seen them move eight points clear of relegation trouble.
The Magpies then host Bournemouth in a tricky FA Cup third-round tie, before quickly turning their attention to the EFL Cup, facing Man City in their third straight home game in the first leg of the semi-finals.
Newcastle United’s next five fixtures:
- 7th January: Leeds United (H) - Premier League
- 10th January: Bournemouth (A) - FA Cup
- 13th January: Man City (H) - EFL Cup
- 18th January: Wolves (A) - Premier League
- 21st January: PSV (H) - Champions League.