Opinion
I have been looking at the squad, the Newcastle United players that absolutely can’t be sold, the Blue Chip ones.
As you can see from my lists below I put eight in that category.
I then have another eight in the next category, players that I think must also be kept for next season.
The reality quickly becomes apparent.
We have a group of excellent Newcastle United players.
Then these other eight to back them up.
After that it is pretty much a case of making the numbers up for the 2025/26 season.
A reminder of the absolute need to strengthen the squad this summer.
**Blue Chip**
Botman, Joelinton, Tonali, Gordon, Isak, Hall, Livramento, Bruno
**Must be kept as well for 2025/26 season**
Trippier, Schar, Barnes, Pope, Jacob Murphy, Burn, Miley, Osula
**Useful squad players for next season but if a decent offer comes in and/or they want to leave**
Willock, Longstaff, Dubravka, Krafth
**Would make up the numbers next season but could/should move on**
Lascelles, Targett, Vlachodimos
**Decision to be made whether young players have chance to make first team squad next season, or loan/move on**
Alex Murphy, Ashby, Kuol
**May still be at the club but won’t be playing for Newcastle next season**
Gillespie, Hayden
**Waiting to see if agree new contracts**
Wilson, Ruddy