Seven players who cost Newcastle United £139million are approaching critical contract crossroads at St James’ Park.
Newcastle United have several contract dilemmas to consider in the next 18 months.
The likes of Lewis Hall, Harvey Barnes and Lewis Miley have all committed their futures to St James’ Park since the end of last season. This has given the Magpies breathing space in the transfer market.
However, imminent decisions are needed on Joe Willock and Jacob Murphy. Newcastle rejected bids for both players - whose deals expire next year - in the closing stages of the summer window.
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A deadline-day bid worth £15million was turned down for Murphy and proved a hot topic for supporters. Matthias Jaissle viewed the 31-year-old’s experience as integral given the youthful nature of Newcastle’s new-look squad.
As for Willock, Besiktas remain interested but he has already scored three times this season to vindicate the decision to keep him. Veterans like Nick Pope, Dan Burn and Fabian Schar are also set to leave Newcastle in 2026.
The Magpies tried to shift Pope on earlier this year but his wages proved a stumbling block. Schar has been given 12-month rolling contracts for the past three seasons but turns 35 in December.
Burn - also entering the twilight of his career - was recently promoted to club captain. Sporting director Ross Wilson will assess the situation in the coming months as Newcastle aim to re-energise the squad.
Perhaps his most important calls centre around Tino Livramento and Joelinton. They are approaching the final 18 months of their deals and still hold high resale value.
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Wilson announced on arrival that tying Livramento down was a top priority. But a year has passed and the right-back - once again sidelined with an injury - is yet to commit beyond 2028.
Top clubs had expressed interest in Livramento until his recent run of injury woes. The arrival of Amar Dedic has also cast doubt on whether the 23-year-old gets into Newcastle's best starting line-up.
For now, Willock and Murphy provide Wilson with the most pressing contract negotiations that need addressing. Livramento’s reluctance is one that could creep up on Newcastle and remains a priority given his transfer valuation.
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