The curtain is coming down on a tumultuous Premier League campaign at St James’ Park today, but the final home fixture of the season against relegation-threatened West Ham United carries a weight far heavier than just three points. For a significant portion of Eddie Howe’s squad, today represents the end of an era.
With Newcastle United officially missing out on European football for next season after a highly testing campaign, a massive summer clearing of the decks is underway on Tyneside. While some departures have already been rubber-stamped, others are shrouded in high-stakes transfer drama.
The Confirmed Exits
Two long-serving stalwarts are guaranteed to be crossing the white line at St James’ Park for the final time today as free agency beckons:
- Kieran Trippier: The former skipper and standard-bearer of the early PIF era will officially leave the club this summer upon the expiry of his contract. Having arrived from Atlético Madrid four-and-a-half years ago, Trippier’s veteran leadership helped guide the Magpies back to the big time. After a late cameo against Nottingham Forest last week, Howe is certain to grant the 35-year-old a final run-out to guarantee an emotional, well-deserved farewell with the Geordie faithful.
- Emil Krafth: The club has also confirmed that the Swedish international defender will depart at the end of June. Tragically, Krafth will not be afforded a final appearance on the pitch due to an ongoing injury, forcing him to watch his farewell from the sidelines.
The Anthony Gordon Bombshell: Headed to Bayern?
The most explosive storyline looming over Tyneside involves superstar winger Anthony Gordon. The 25-year-old England international has not kicked a ball for Newcastle in over a month. While initially sidelined with a hip flexor injury, his continued absence from the squad—even after returning to full fitness—has set the rumor mill spinning.
Reports have emerged via talkSPORT that Gordon has already agreed to personal terms with Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich ahead of a blockbuster summer transfer.
When pressed on whether Gordon’s recent omission as an unused substitute against Brighton and Nottingham Forest was due to planning for life without him, a candid Eddie Howe did not hold back.
”When you get to this stage of the season, part of what we will be doing we’ll be looking to next year, naturally, so yes,” Howe admitted. “Anthony’s just come back from injury. I think the team has played well in his absence and with a partial view to the future, yes.”
While Arsenal and Liverpool continue to lurk in the background, a move to the Allianz Arena appears imminent. Howe has kept the door open for Gordon to feature today if it is “the right thing for the team,” but there is a very real possibility the winger has already played his final match in black and white.
Contract Extremities: Willock and Pope on the Chopping Block
The financial reality of missing out on UEFA revenue means Newcastle cannot risk letting valuable assets enter the final year of their contracts without security.
- Joe Willock: The midfielder enters the final 12 months of his deal this summer after a frustrating campaign defined by fluctuating form and limited minutes. Despite scoring a memorable Champions League equalizer against Paris Saint-Germain earlier in the year, that remains his solitary goal of the season. Rather than risk losing him for free next year, Newcastle look prepared to cash in.
- Nick Pope: A goalkeeping overhaul is expected to be a top priority for Howe this summer. Neither Pope nor Aaron Ramsdale—on loan from Southampton—have consistently distinguished themselves this year. With Pope’s contract expiring in 2027 and uncertainty over whether Newcastle will trigger Ramsdale’s permanent buyout clause, today could well be Pope’s final stand in the St James’ Park goal.
The Elite Midfield Problem: Sandro Tonali to North London?
Perhaps the most concerning long-term consequence of Newcastle’s slide into the bottom half of the table is the vulnerability of their marquee superstars.
While club captain Bruno Guimarães looks likely to stay and spearhead next year’s rebuild, Italian international Sandro Tonali is facing intense speculation. Arsenal are famously desperate for elite midfield reinforcements and briefly explored a sensational deadline-day swoop for Tonali earlier this year. Without the lure of European nights on Tyneside, Mikel Arteta’s Gunners could easily reignite their pursuit over the coming weeks.
