The first few day of this summer’s transfer window seems to have featured nothing but talk of potential arrivals on Tyneside.
From Liam Delap and Bryan Mbeumo to continued interest James Trafford and Marc Guehi, rumours on incoming players haven’t stopped.
However, the coming months will also feature outgoings and it may not be long until a couple wave goodbye.
As we reach the point of the summer where clubs slowly begin to announce who’s being retained and who’s being released, four names have emerged as likely candidates to see depart the club over the coming days and weeks.
According to [The Chronicle](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newcastle-united-axe-dressing-room-31779044), Newcastle duo Jamal Lewis and John Ruddy are both expected to be released this summer.
Lewis, who earlier this year saw an exciting loan spell at São Paulo cut short due to injury, has been with the club since a £15m move from Norwich in 2020, but has only managed 24 Premier League starts in total for us.
Despite Lewis flopping in those five years, that’s 24 more outings than John Ruddy has managed since he was signed as a free agent last year.
The 38-year-old has been hailed for his immense contribution off the field and described as a dressing-room leader, but as rumours swirl that a new keeper will be brought in to satisfy UEFA’s homegrown quotas, Ruddy unfortunately won’t make the cut for next season.
Commenting on Ruddy’s influence recently, Eddie Howe said: “John has been brilliant behind the scenes, I have to say. I can’t praise people like John enough. John has come into the football club and he has fully embraced everything we do.
“He is here for youth games and reserve games. He has really invested in trying to help people. Every player I am sure he has touched in some way. John has been a vital part of what we have done this year.”
Wilson and Gillespie uncertainty
Similarly to Ruddy, the abundance of goalkeepers on the club’s books will be seriously evaluated this summer, with Mark Gillespie also facing an uncertain future as his contract is up for renewal.
The 33-year-old, who even enjoyed a one year contract extension last season, could have been an outside candidate to stay at the club, but narrowly missed out on meeting the requirements to be classed as a homegrown player.
Uncertainty still looms over the future of Callum Wilson. Having seemingly given his farewell to the fans on the final day of 2024/25, there is still a chance we see the No.9 offered a new performance-based deal.
The Athletic believe he is more likely to leave than to stay, however, with the club opting against triggering a one year extension clause within his current contract.
A formidable servant to the club with 49 Premier League goals to his name, the demands of Champions League and a push for top four in the league look to be beyond the 33-year-old physical capabilities.