Attention will soon turn to pre-season matters for Newcastle United.
Newcastle United still have an awful lot to do in the transfer market, but spirits should be high heading into the new campaign.
Despite some rather slow progress on the incomings front, it’s worth remembering just what a fine season Eddie Howe’s side have just enjoyed.
Newcastle’s first major domestic honour in 70 years was won in March. In May, they sealed a return to the Champions League, with plenty of big European nights back on the way to St James’ Park.
While additions are clearly needed, Howe boasts a fine squad at Newcastle and it will be fantastic to see them back in action in pre-season, after a well-earned rest. Newcastle are set to tour Singapore in pre-season, while there will be more high profile fixtures too.
Indeed, the return to the Sela Cup is something to get excited about and Atletico Madrid have just been confirmed as opponents. It’s fair to say the Newcastle United manager was buzzing.
Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images
Eddie Howe buzzing as Newcastle United confirm Atletico Madrid friendly
The club have confirmed that the Atletico men’s and women’s teams will head to Tyneside for a double-header in August.
The Newcastle United women’s team meet Atletico Madrid Femenino at 1pm BST on Saturday 9 August, 2025.
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After that, the men’s team will do battle against Diego Simeone’s side, with their game due to start at 4pm BST inside St James’.
Bosses
Watch us take on Diego Simeone's Spanish heavyweights @Atleti as part of the @Sela Cup on Saturday, 9 August!
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) June 3, 2025
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Reflecting on the announcement, Howe told the Newcastle United official website: “Pre-season is all about being ready, both domestically in the Premier League and for the Champions League, so playing a team of Atletico’s calibre is an ideal test.
“They are an extremely talented side, managed by one of the best coaches in the world.
“We will have faced top quality opposition from both English and European football over the summer and it will stand us in good stead.”
What is the Sela Cup? Newcastle United pre-season trophy explained
The Sela Cup is a pre-season tournament held by Newcastle United.
Previously, they’ve played the likes of Fiorentina, Girona, Villarreal and Brest.
Jacob Murphy lifted the Sela Cup as if it were a real trophy in 2023 and, back then, little did we know he’d be doing that with the Carabao Cup in March 2025.
It promises to be a busy summer schedule for Howe’s side. Newcastle are set to play Celtic in July, which looks like quite a huge clash even in a friendly context.
Hopefully, by the time it all kicks off, Newcastle fans have some new signings to get excited about.