13 players released by Newcastle United - including first team appearance maker

Newcastle United have announced who they have retained and who they have released from their academy and as many as 13 players have realised their fate is away from St James' Park.

A statement was released from the club and one of the names leaving is Tom Allan, who has made a first team appearance. Some other lads leaving are under-23s Ryan Barrett, Brad Cross, Oisin McEntee, Mo Sangare, Reagan Thomson, Jake Turner and Adam Wilson.



On a positive note, the club have confirmed that offers have been made to Matthew Bondswell, Niall Brookwell, Will Brown, Lewis Cass, Joe Oliver and Dylan Stephenson.

Steve Harper made a comment on the players leaving, "I'd like to thank each and every player for their efforts during their time at the academy. Many of the players leaving us have been here for several years so this will be an emotional time as they take a new step on their career path."

He went on"Our aim is to not just develop good footballers that can play in the first team, but good people who are equipped and prepared for life in or out of the game, and I'm incredibly proud of the Academy staff for driving and supporting that ethos."


It will be interesting times at the Academy under new ownership as huge investment is expected over the next several years with the view to turn NUFC Academy into on the countries best.

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Newcastle United five January signings ranked best to worst - No.1 may shock you

In January, Newcastle were desperate for points and desperate for players to get them out of relegation trouble. The new owners didn't let Eddie Howe down and invested £93m on five new players. But which signing was the best? Here's my take on the famous five: 



5. Chris Wood

Newcastle were desperate for a striker in January after losing Callum Wilson to a serious injury that was potentially going to see him be out for the season. 

Desperate times call for desperate measures so the club decided to activate a £25m release clause in Chris Wood's contract, as it was guaranteed to be concluded quickly before the Watford home game.

The idea was it weakened Burnley also, but if I'm being honest, Wood only scored 3 goals for them so it wasn't like they were instantly doomed without him.


Wood only added two more goals to his overall tally on Tyneside, with one being a penalty, which is a very poor return even without the eye watering fee paid.

We won games with him, we needed him but of the 5 signings we brought in, he has to be last. Soz Woody lad.


4. Matt Targett



The quiet lad was a quiet transfer in all truth, or should I say loan signing, as we took him off the Aston Villa bench and into a first team playing in front of Wor Flags every other week. He won the lottery there.

Solid defensively, he was a very good signing so hats off to Eddie Howe and the scouting team for having faith in him. With Lewis and Dummett both injured, we really needed a left back to come in and hit the ground running.

Targett did that with aplomb with some top class blocks, hard tackles and little bits of class on the ball on top. His composure to pick out Willock in the last minute vs Leicester being a highlight to start off that magic Bruno winning goal.

It looks like we will not be making his loan move permanent, as we look to Renan Lodi to come in and I also think Matty wants to move down south closer to his family, with Fulham sniffing around for his signature.

Cheers for your hard work though lad, Bruno will definitely miss you.


3. Dan Burn

What can you say about Big Dan Burn that hasn't already been said? I can not believe how good he has been in a Black and White shirt. The boy has come home and my God he's made the most of it.

Born in Blyth, this 6ft7 goliath squeezed his massive frame into an East Stand seat with season ticket in hand back in the day, to watch Sir Bobby's team play in Champions League nights. He seems determined to bring those nights back by the looks of it.


Dominant in the air, composed with the ball at his feet, surprisingly quick, organiser, there is nothing Dan Burn can't do. Well, apart from score. For someone so good with defensive headers, his heading of the ball towards the opposition goal is shocking.

He is amazingly the most expensive centre back we've ever brought in at £13m, beating the record Coloccini held for many years and it was money well spent. That record may be beaten in the summer though...

The fact Big Dan is only third on this list just goes to show how unreal our January window was.


2. Bruno Guimarães



Bruno! Bruno! Bruno! The cry you have heard every week for the past three months. The cry you will hear for hopefully many years to come. WHAT A SIGNING.

Can you actually believe Bruno Guimarães plays for Newcastle? When we signed him I didn't want to get too excited just incase he turned into a bit of a disappointment. Like he wouldn't suit our team or settle in the area.

Pfft! Forget that. He's not only settled in but dominating Premier League games, sometimes with ease. The home game vs Arsenal was an exhibition. The fact they were supposedly after him is hilarious.


He came with a warning "do not expect goals, I don't score goals." Well he bagged five, two of which were winning goals. The other an equaliser and the other two were exclamation marks on a victory.

The flick at Southampton, the last minute header vs Leicester, the dink over poor Tim Krul, the slot vs Arsenal, so many memories in such little time.

We are all desperate now for him to carry on in the same vein next season. His partnership in midfield with Joelinton is a sight to be hold. Add another top class midfielder and we have one of the best midfields in the Premier League.


1. Kieran Trippier


It may surprise some that he's number one but his signing is more than just what he does on the pitch, which is absolute top class. His signing set the tone for the new era & he is the perfect character off the field.

I can't express how much I love this kid. His attitude is a dream and he was the first one through the door, opening up the possibility for top players to follow suit.

We may get Renan Lodi at left back in the summer and if we do, it will be largely thanks to signing his Atletico ex-teammate Tripps in January. You just know he'll help sell the project & club to him.

He has said playing in front of the Newcastle fans is the best experience he's ever had as a player. His enthusiasm and passion for the new era here is infectious.

He's a winner. He will not stand for a lack of standards in training. Then there's his talent. He may already be the best right back Newcastle has ever had in the PL.


His two free kicks to seal three points vs Everton and beat Aston Villa 1-0 were absolutely huge. Those victories kick started the ridiculous run we saw throughout 2022.

Cruelly he only played a handful of games, as he broke his foot but he has managed to make the last few games of the season and get into the England squad for the Nations League matches.

Bruno is unbelievable, Big Dan Burn is class but Trippier will always be the first signing of the new era and what a signing it was. The best £12m with add ons we will ever spend. 

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One winger staying at Newcastle, One winger leaving - fans heartbroken

There is likely to be a revolving door at Newcastle this summer with a host of players leaving to make room for new signings coming in. One player spoken about that could leave is Allan Saint-Maximin but now he is set to stay.

That's according to Craig Hope in The Daily Mail who reports the Frenchman is set to stay for another season on Tyneside after the club won't find a buyer for his £50m price tag.

Allan will also want a new contract matching the top earners of Bruno Guimarães and Kieran Trippier of around £100k a week but that would given the lack of buyers, he hasn't a lot of leverage.

One winger who is set to leave Tyneside though is Jack Grealish favourite player Miggy Almiron. Hope states the Paraguayan is likely to leave St James' Park and his fee added to the pot.


This makes total sense, as the kid only has one goal to his name all season. Despite it being a goal of the season contender against Crystal Palace, a single goal all year simply doesn't cut it.

Miggy has a cult following and they will be heartbroken but if we can get a decent fee for him then we should take it, as we are very likely to bring in a new winger who knows how to contribute with goals and assists.

It's good news for Saint-Maximin fans though and hopefully he can have a strong season where he gets back to his electrifying best on a more consistent basis.

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Neymar to leave PSG? "Only Newcastle..." his potental destination

Mbappe has signed his new unbelievable contract at PSG and Neymar is now well and truly in his shadow. You could argue he is even third in line with Messi joining last summer. So he could be leaving, but to where?



Well according to L'equipe "only Newcastle..." have the means and potential interest to afford Neymar given his wages and age. None of the big clubs in Europe would invest in him.

This is of course total nonsense, as its very lazy "journalism" from a supposed respectable news source. For a start Newcastle won't pay his off the scale wages and are focusing on young players with potential.

Plus if you look at Neymar injury record over the past couple of season it's a shocker. You only get half a season out of him and despite Newcastle owners wealth, the actual football club isn't in a position to waste any money at this stage.

These kind of stories will no doubt continue this summer as Newcastle will be used by all agents and news outlets to create stories and interest of their player. Take it with a pinch of salt.

Neymar to Newcastle... Ney chance.

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Newcastle keen on ex-Manchester City whizzkid

Reports are emerging that Newcastle are very keen on Leeds winger Jack Harrison despite the Yorkshire club survival in the Premier League.


The Telegraph are reporting the Magpies are very keen on Harrison but with that PL survival, any hopes his price will be reduced have gone which can also be said about his team mate Kalvin Phillips.

Man City look to be serious in their pursuit of the England midfielder as Fernandinho has now left the club and they're question marks over Ilkay Gundogan staying at the Etihad also.

So, Phillips may be one Newcastle miss out on but Harrison could still make his way to Tyneside if the price is right. I dont personally see it happening but you never know in this game.

Eddie Howe is looking for more attacking threat next year with Almiron only scoring one goal this season with Murphy and Fraser also very low on the goal contribution count.

Harrison has a sweet left foot which he displayed on the last game of the season as his last minute goal confirmed Leeds survival as Burnley dropped to the Championship. His goals tally was a very respectable 10.

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England Squad Announcement: Newcastle United star gets England call up!

Gareth Southgate is set to announce his England squad for the Nations League matches and Newcastle fans are keeping a close eye on who makes it more than usual given their current line up.

New signings Dan Burn and Matt Targett have impressed since joining the Magpies but they have missed out this time around. 

However, seasoned International Kieran Trippier HAS made the England squad according to Football365 & Team Talk SM editor. I asked him to conform and he said "yea, it's official".


The right back has missed months of the season with a broken foot but has made it back on the pitch for the last game of the season at Burnley, where he completed 90 minutes.

The call up isn't a bad thing for Newcastle as this will give Trippier more minutes in his legs and test out the recovery from the injury that kept him out for most of the end to the season.


Eddie Howe will be praying Trippier comes through these games unharmed and have no recurrence of any injury however...

UPDATE: Tripps is IN.

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Newcastle Utd "close" to big £100k a week new signing!

Newcastle Utd are looking for a goalkeeper for next season and they may have found their man. According to reports, the deal to bring Dean Henderson to Tyneside is close.




Charlie Bennett of The Chronicle, is reporting that Henderson's camp believe the deal to be close which adds to the reports last week of the deal being "99% done".



It's uncertain whether the Magpies will go all out and make it a permanent deal or bring him on loan. It must be made clear that Henderson is o n a staggering £100k a week at Old Trafford, so will instantly be a top earner on Day one of arrival.

There is reports that Newcastle are working to a self enforced "salary cap" of £100k a week maximum for any player in the squad to prevent jealousy in the ranks & to attract characters who aren't just coming for money.

Whether this is a shrewd move will only be proved with next season PL finish and who they manage to miss out on through this policy. It's certainly not the idea people had of the new owners when making wild claims like they'll sign Mbappe etc.

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Newcastle going head to head with Europe's big guns for Wonderkid!

The finish of the season was dramatic and an unforgettable one. None more so than for Newcastle Utd with the takeover & a huge turnaround in their form in 2022. The transfer talk has already begun, however, with a familiar name in the frame.


According to Sky Sports, Eddie Howe is looking to bring in the French wonderkid Hugo Ekitike that he missed out on in January. The fee is anywhere between €30 - £45million.


This time around, however, the Magpies face stiff competition from PSG and Borussia Dortmund. The former seemingly don't work under any financial restraints in the French League so can offer Reims as much as they want.

Dortmund are a more humble outfit but are very famous for developing young players which may be huge trump card to use to grab Ekitike, like they did with Erling Haaland send Jude Bellingham.

Newcastle are somewhere inbetween these two giants of European football as they can offer a significant financial package but also offer room for development to Ekitike, as this is what Howe prides himself on.

It will be interesting to see where the "next Mbappe" ends up this summer after he basically announced he has scored his last goal for Reims in Ligue Un. It would be a major coup for Newcastle new owners to pull off.

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Newcastle could sign Renan Lodi AND Matt Targett. Here's how...

The reports of Newcastle attempting to sign Atletico Madrid left back Renan Lodi refuse to go away, as the club are supposedly ramping up their interest to bring the Brazilian to Tyneside.

Famously, Newcastle have already signed an Atletico Madrid full last season in Kieran Trippier and the new owners of the Magpies are seriously looking at his mate Renan Lodi according to The Chronicle

If they were to sign him, then the assumption is that Matt Targett coming back on a permanent deal would be dead in the water. Thar may be true however, there is another scenario.

If Matt Targett is still not wanted at Aston Villa next season, there is a scenario where Eddie Howe can go back in for the Englishman on loan. He can directly challenge for the left back spot with Lodi.

There is no guarantee that Lodi will hit the ground running in the Premier League. He also very attacking so may not be as solid defensively as Targett, so having both options would make perfect sense.

I've no doubt Targett would still jump at the chance to come back to this new era at Newcastle, even if he won't be guaranteed to be first choice, given how he's enjoyed it and how highly thought of he is.

It's a lot better than most options he'll receive including sitting on the bench next to Gerrard on a mid-table snoozefest at Villa Park.

Get em both in!

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Newcastle have self enforced salary cap - will they miss out on targets?!

There is name after name being linked to Newcastle Utd at the moment and it will not stop throughout the summer. If anything, the transfer speculation will go into overdrive! But Newcastle may have hindered their potential transfer activity...

Reports from Lee Ryder in The Chronicle are saying the club have self enforced a "salary cap" of around £100k a week for their highest earners. This is for two reasons.

The first is to avoid any potential jealousy and disharmony in the group with one or two players earning way more than everyone else. Which is fair.

The other is they dont want to recruit players looking for a big pay day. They want good characters who want to join the club and this team.

You cant argue with this approach for the above reasons but this self enforced salary cap may be tested if a genuine top class player becomes available to the club to sign in the summer window.


Two January signings Kieran Trippier and Bruno Guimarães are on wages up and possibly just over this £100k mark and are the clubs highest earners and have earned their contracts.

Watch this space...

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Newcastle to sign Coutinho over Aston Villa by offering £1 million bonus?!

Newcastle are all set for a huge summer transfer window, as they look to invest in a squad to take them well away from any relegation troubles to challenge in the top half next season. According to Sport, they could be attempting to lure Philippe Coutinho to St James' Park!


Coutinho has found it tough since leaving Liverpool for a whopping £143m and found himself out on loan and Bayern Munich and this season on loan at Aston Villa.

Newcastle reportedly only had a slight interest in the Brazilian in January as he chose to join his old team mate Steven Gerrard at Villa Park.


Coutinho has been a success overall so far back in the PL and if reports are to be believed, then Newcastle may crank up their interest and offer him a £1 million bonus to choose Black and White stripes over Claret and Blue.

Interesting... would you take him?

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Bundesliga Wonderkid tipped to join Newcastle this summer?!

The Newcastle Utd board room are drawing up a transfer long list of targets, as Premier League survival looks highly likely after a serious up turn in form, and young talent across Europe looks to be high on the agenda.


They are looking for fresh talent across all areas of the pitch including at centre back and one name coming out in reports is RB Leipzig wonderkid Josko Gvardiol.

It was initially reported in The Mail and is spreading like wild fire on many sites and through various sources that the Magpies could be making a move for the 20-year-old, which would be a huge statement of intent from the new owners.

Gvardiol is regarded as the best young centre back in Europe by many football experts and has the biggest clubs looking into his signature. The lure of the Premier League and a huge pay rise may tempt the young Croatian defender.


With Newcastle new found wealth, Amanda Staveley is looking to spend the PIF money wisely and investing in top young talent may be the way the club go this summer.

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So exciting - England International midfielder on Newcastle shortlist. Match made in heaven

Reports has come out of Newcastle Utd shortlist of transfer targets for the summer and there are some hugely exciting names on it. Alexander Isak, Darwin Nunez but also a midfielder who would be perfect for the club.



England International Kalvin Phillips is almost certain to leave Leeds in the summer, even if the Yorkshire club stay up, and Newcastle could be fighting hard for his signature.

According to The Mail, the 'Yorkshire Pirlo' is one of many targets the Magpies will be looking to bring in to bolster their midfield as well the likes of Yves Bissouma at Brighton.

Joelinton, Jonjo Shelvey and Joe Willock have formed an effective threesome this season in midfield, with Bruno Guimaraes also coming in and performing well.


However, if the like of Kalvin Phillips is available the club would be wise to invest in such a quality player to help the club go up a level or two. Jonjo and Willock are good but they aren't as good as Phillips. I personally am begging we sign him!

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Wow - Newcastle to make huge move for La Liga wonderkid striker this summer?!

Newcastle scouting team have lined up a shortlist of targets this summer and some of the names are getting fans extremely excited.



According to The Mail, the club are looking at positions all over the pitch including goalkeepers such as Leno and Dean Henderson but the Magpies really want to sign a superstar striker.

One name on the list they will look to target is Real Sociedad wonderkid Alexander Isak. The young Swede is one of Europes most sought after talents and it would be a huge statement from the club.

Other names lined up are Calvert-Lewin and Darwin Nunez as Newcastle just can't rely on Callum Wilson fitness and Chris Wood has only scored one goal since signing in January, which isn't good enough.

Alexander Isak is lightning quick, skillful and a competent finisher with bags of potential to improve into a world class operator. If the club go all out this one could be a game changer...!


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Ranked: Top 5 Frenchman to play for NUFC - No.1 may surprise you

Newcastle Utd have had their fair share of French talent show up at St James' Park from maverick wingers to midfield maestros. But who was the best? Here is my top 5...

5. Yohan Cabaye


Dreamboat had a bad moment on Tyneside by declaring he wanted to move to Arsenal, which derailed the team for short while, but there can be no doubting his ability. He was a key man as soon as he came over from Lille in the summer of 2011. Slotting in next to Cheick Tiote to form a formidable central midfield partnership to help us finish 5th in his first season.

Pardew sold the move to him by telling him we would be our "quarterback" and he didn't disappoint. One of the most gifted centre midfielders we've ever had, he went onto perform well for France at a major tournament and got a his big move to PSG. That didn't work out, however, and found himself at Crystal Palace as his career drifted to a poor end. The grass isn't always greener...


4. Laurent Robert


What a left peg on this kid. There was nothing sweeter than watching Laurent Robert tip-toeing up to a dead ball before absolutely bulldozing it towards, and often into, the goal. His free-kicks were absolutely deadly. His delivery from set plays was a key aspect of the clubs' success from 2001 to 2005. Champions League football arrived as did deep runs in the cups via Uefa Cup and FA Cup semi-finals.

He, typically, had his issues with the fanbase and his managers by his maverick attitude and was seen as lazy at times. Often being dropped from the starting lineup for Hugo Viana or from the squad completely. Graeme Souness once dragging off the team bus before a game because of some negative comments in the media. Robert was a pure highlight reel player. So, enjoy him.



3. Allan Saint-Maximin


ASM is absolutely electric every time he gets the ball. There is no one who can carry the ball as far and beat opposition players like him in the Premier League. In full flow, he is simply unstoppable. Too powerful, too skillful, too fast. He can tear any defence apart on his day.

Recently he has had a fair share of criticism for his lack of effort off the ball and rumoured issues off the pitch but I guess this comes with the territory with maverick French wingers. They just think differently.

The mercurial Frenchman has 5 goals and 3 assists in the Premier League which isn't bad but he can do more. Hopefully, he can put any doubts of his commitment to thec cause to bed and finish the 2021/22 season strong. He can achieve great things at Newcastle in our new era and just ask others, if you leave, the grass isn't always greener somewhere else.


2. David Ginola


David was absolutely magic on Tyneside. He took the club to a new level in the 95/96 season helping the club go 12 points clear at the top of the league. For those initial 6 months he was unplayable, forming an unstoppable link up with another new signing Les Ferdinand.

Unfortunately, Ginola's form dipped at the end of that campaign, along with Ferdinand, and the 12 point cushion was eventually cut and surpassed by Man Utd. He wanted to move to Barcelona in the summer of 1997 after just one season here but Keegan refused. This may have effected the Frenchman as he was very hot and cold that season before being sold to Spurs. Talented, magnificent, adored. Merci beaucoup.


1. Hatem Ben Arfa


Some French players may have scored more goals for Newcastle, they may have achieved more in the game, they may have a better reputation but Benny was the most talented player I have ever seen play in the Black and White stripes.

Ben Arfa was a pure unfiltered talent. He was a joy to watch and you were excited every single time he got the ball at his feet. We were blessed to have him and you only wish Pardew wasn't his manager to ruin his time here and use him as a sacrificial lamb to attempt to hide his own failings. After going six games without a win, Benny told 'Pards' what he thought and that was that.

His dribbling was unmatched, he could strike the ball like a dream with both feet and some of the goals he scored for Newcastle are the best goals we as fans will ever see. The Bolton and Blackburn goals were breathtaking, not even Messi could have scored them as they were full of high risk which is something Lionel doesn't do.

I have no doubt other fans will have Ginola or Robert as their number one, but for me, Benny was the boy. I love him and have followed his career after he left us, which is something I never did with the others. J'adore Benny.




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Newcastle to finally get Jesse Lingard? - confirmed leaving Man Utd for free!

Jesse Lingard looked set to join Newcastle Utd on loan from Man Utd on Deadline Day of the January transfer window, but the Red Devils refused to sanction the deal. JLingz is now expected to leave for free and Newcastle will very likely be waiting with an offer.


Transfer king pin Fabrizio Romano has confirmed on his twitter account that Jesse Lingard, along with Juan Mata and Edison Cavani, will not be offered new contracts to stay at Old Trafford and will leave the club for free.


This is fully expected, as far as Lingard is concerned, as he has barely featured for the red half of Manchester and was angry at not being allowed to move to St James' Park on Deadline Day.

He will have his suitors in the summer which is expected to include West Ham as well as other PL clubs and some offers from abroad but Newcastle may be he no.1 choice of destination.

Their is a new era just beginning on Tyneside and if the club have their hearts set on Jesse it could be a match made in heaven. The side could do with another attacking midfielder/winger and Lingard fits the bill.


His wages and signing on fee won't be cheap but with no transfer fee involved it could be a smart piece of business by Amanda Staveley and the Newcastle owners as they look to spend their new found PIF backed war chest on players.

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Newcastle to make move for £60m Darwin Nunez in summer window?!

Newcastle Utd are looking to bring in a number of new players in the summer transfer window, once they stay up, and a new centre forward is one of the priorities. Many names have been mentioned and one that doesn't go away is Benfica hit man Darwin Nunez.


It has been reported previously in i that the Magpies have been heavily monitoring the Uruguayan, who has 20 goals to his name this season, and could be the star striker Eddie Howe craves.

Chris Wood has done OK since coming in without scoring many goals and Callum Wilson fitness issues means a new centre forward must be a target in the summer transfer window.

Nunez at £60m would be some hefty investment but could be just what Newcastle need to kick on to bigger and brighter things. He has an impressive conversion rate and Newcastle owners will have competition for his signature.


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Barcelona 'world class' talent tipped to join Newcastle for free in the summer!

Newcastle will stay up this season, there is no way the likes of Burnley or Watford will overtake them with only 9 games or so left of the season. With this, the newly PIF-backed club are expected to make some big moves in the transfer market and a Barcelona man may be in their sites.

Ousmane Dembele has had his issues with the Catalan club recently and they tried to sell him in January, with Newcastle heavily linked, however, since then he has been in the first team and showing some good form. He has created 2.3 chances per game in La Liga and has provided eight big chances for his teammates.


According to AS, Dembele will leave Barcelona and PSG are the front runners to capture the Frenchman signature but if Newcastle want him to kick start their new era and make a big statement, they can afford to offer the ex-Borussia Dortmund man the wages he may demand and rival the Qatar wealth backed Parisians.

PSG manager Pochettino is expected to leave PSG and Leonardo days as Sporting Director are rumoured to be numbered, so there may by a different approach at the Stade de France and it isn't exactly guaranteed Dembele will start for them with the depth of their squad. Even if Mbappe leaves.


Newcastle United targeting new £250k-a-week goalkeeper - Dubravka days numbered?

It is guaranteed to be a busy summer transfer window for Newcastle Utd and one position they are potentially looking to strengthen is the goalkeeper. Martin Dubravka isn't a bad 'keeper but he is prone to mistakes and letting in soft goals, so if the right man becomes available, 'Dubs' days as No.1 could be over.

Below are some of the names being linked with a summer move to St James' Park but would they be a significant improvement on Dubravka between the sticks?

Bernd Leno


The Arsenal man is firmly No.2 at the Emirates Stadium after the North London club spent £25 million bringing in Aaron Ramsdale, after he was relegated with Sheffield Utd. At first it looked a strange move but he has flourished under Mikel Arteta and the German stopper Leno looks firmly sat on the bench.

It could be a smart move for him to join the new era at Newcastle Utd and would be an improvement on Dubravka. He is a good shot stopper and is confident playing out from the back which isn't a huge strength of Dubravka.

Eddie Howe will look to use his goalkeeper next season to contribute with quality distribution and Bernd Leno could fit the bill. With just one year remaining on his contract The Magpies can look to take advantage and grab the 30 year old at a very reasonable price.


Dean Henderson


Another ex-Sheffield Utd man finds himself as No.2 at his club in the form of Dean Henderson. The England international (kind of) was expected to be taking over from David De Gea by now but through the Spaniard form sky rocketing and 'Hendo' putting in a few dodgy performances last season, his career has stalled.

A move to Newcastle has been all over the gossip columns since the Saudi takeover of the club but would he be an improvement on Dubravka. I personally have my doubts but a loan move could be the best option for Newcastle and the player to see if he fits the bill. If not, there is no harm done.

At just 25 years old, there is plenty of years left in the English shot stopper, however, Henderson only signed a new 5 year contract in Aug 2020 worth a staggering £120k a week! So you wouldn't expect him to be a cheap acquisition if Newcastle decide they want to sign him permanently.


Jan Oblak


One of the more ambitious names being linked to NUFC is that of Atletico Madrid No.1 Jan Oblak. Once considered the best goalkeeper in the world, it would be some statement if he arrived on Tyneside this summer. I think this one is fanciful at best but if the player wants a move to the Premier League we are one of the few clubs that could accommodate him.

Liverpool have Alisson, City have Ederson, Chelsea have Mendy, Man Utd have De Gea, Arsenal have Ramsdale. The only other club that would potentially want him that could afford his wages are Spurs, as Lloris isn't getting any younger. Oblak is on £250k a week! But again, it would come down to the player whether he wants to stay in Spain or try a rainy night away game at Selhurst Park.

The huge positive for Newcastle is Oblak only has one year left on his contract, so Atletico may look to cash in while they can and bring in a younger replacement. At 29 years old, Jan Oblak could be a dream signing for Eddie Howe and the new regime. I wouldn't put money on it, but maybe Kieran Trippier can put a good word in...

Kepa Arrizabalaga


The apparent penalty shootout prince is very much No.2 at Chelsea and was set to be loaned out last summer but eventailly stayed at Stamford Bridge. This gut cost Chelsea £72 million back in 2018 and it's safe to say, he hasn't hit the height that they were expecting. To have already replaced him with Eduaord Mendy pretty much makes this a huge flop.

Would we want Kepa at SJP? I honestly don't see why. For me, the Chelsea scouts got this one wrong. He isn't a great shot stopper, he doesn't command his area and his distribution isn't high class either. It's almost as if Chelsea looked at a slim young Spanish goalkeeper and assumed he would develop into David De Gea.

Well, it isn't as straight forward as that and I can't see why we would ship out hefty wages to bring him in to witness his glaring mistakes first hand. A loan move may be a risk free option but I can't see the point. Maybe I will end up being proved wrong and he reaches a very high level in the next few years but I'm gonna say no, not for me Clive.



Conclusion

We may end up not signing any of the above or bring someone in not even mentioned, however, if I had to sum up my thoughts:

Oblak - the dream, Leno or Henderson - the reality, Kepa - the nightmare.

Let's wait and see. Looking forward to finding out though! HWTL!

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