Eddie Howe, Manager of Newcastle United, looks on prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and West Ham United at St James' Park on May 17, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)placeholder image
Eddie Howe, Manager of Newcastle United, looks on prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and West Ham United at St James' Park on May 17, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Newcastle United transfer & Eddie Howe Q&A as our writer Jordan Cronin addresses some of the key talking points.
It’s never dull when it comes to Newcastle United, is it? If you thought the end of the Premier League season marked the start of some relaxation, then you were wrong, very wrong!
Within three days of the final match at Fulham, the Magpies agreed a deal to sell Anthony Gordon to Barcelona for £69million - but that isn’t the only topic to discuss this week.
Here, our writer Jordan Cronin answers some of the key questions.
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How do you feel about Anthony Gordon's departure?
JC: “I’m actually quite sad to see Gordon go, simply because I know the player he can be. Gordon, on his day, is one of the best wingers in the Premier League but that version of him at Newcastle is gone, so it makes sense to sell.
“I think in Gordon’s head, he has outgrown the football club and that’s no good for either party. No player is bigger than Newcastle United. And to be fair, when a club like Barcelona come knocking, it’s hard to begrudge any player for making that move.
“Do I think Newcastle have undersold Gordon? Yes, I do. He’s still only 25, is capable of playing multiple positions across the frontline and was the club’s top scorer last season, albeit nine of those were penalties.
“In a world where Anthony Elanga is worth £55million, Gordon is worth much more than £69m.
“Gordon will go down as a marmite figure among supporters and even though I think he’s fallen short of his levels since his first full season when he won the club’s Player of the Year award, few can say he hasn’t been a good signing.”
Which other players would you expect to leave this summer?
JC: “I’d expect some of the fringe players to depart, Joe Willock being the main one. Sandro Tonali is one to watch but I think with Gordon going, it gives Newcastle scope to demand a hefty transfer fee for the Italian.
“If Tonali goes, it’ll be on the Magpies’ terms, whereas Gordon, I think, it was less so as they needed his sale to unlock their own spending.
“Tino Livramento stays, I think, as his injury last season has put a few potential suitors off, while I don’t see either of any of the three strikers, Yoane Wissa, Nick Woltemade or Will Osula leaving for various reasons.”
What positions do NUFC need to strengthen this summer?
JC: “All of them?! No, but in all seriousness, a replacement for Gordon is obvious, as is a goalkeeper with both Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale, who has returned to Southampton following his loan spell, hardly inspiring confidence last season.
“Newcastle will need a right-back to come in and support Livramento - you could argue the same for left-back too, though Livramento is capable of playing both full-back positions. It’s also clear Howe’s team is desperate for a creative spark, whatever position that looks like.”
What are your thoughts on NUFC sticking with Eddie Howe?
JC: “If you’re judging this season alone, then I think Howe is fortunate to remain as head coach, but what the club don’t want to do is dismiss his past achievements.
“And few can argue with what he’s achieved. Two Champions League qualifications and a Carabao Cup make him one of the club’s most successful managers, so he has bought himself time.
“There was mitigation last summer with no sporting director or CEO, plus the chaos that was Alexander Isak. But from now on, there are no excuses and it’s absolutely vital Howe and Newcastle make a strong start to next season.”
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