As an exciting English Premier League comes to an end, Manchester City finds themselves on track to win a historic treble. However, arguably the second biggest success story of the season is in the form of Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United.
Riding on a resilient defense that conceded the joint-lowest goals in the Premier League in the 2022-23 league season, Newcastle qualified for the UEFA Champions League by finishing fourth in the table.
Since the arrival of the new ownership in the form of the Saudi Public Investment Fund back in 2021, the Magpies have seen steady improvement that seems to be aimed at long-term success. Howe has stuck to signing young promising players who are only going to improve.
At the same time, Newcastle has also seen regular departures, with the likes of Jonjo Shelvey and Christian Wood the two players who were moved on in January. Wood has left on loan, but is not expected to return. The upcoming summer transfer window is also expected to result in some important deals.
The Tyneside-based club has made constant progress under Howe but there is still quite a bit of deadweight in the squad. With some major new signings expected, a number of players will also find themselves on the way out.
Here, we look at the five players Newcastle United should sell in the upcoming transfer window.
#5 Loris Karius
The German goalkeeper, now 29, has never been able to get rid of the 2018 UCL final hangover over his career. The Champions League final ultimately proved to be Karius’ last game for the Reds.
He was shipped off on two loans, first to Besiktas and then the Union Berlin, before being signed by Newcastle United at the start of the season. Karius was always going to be a backup but the player will be disappointed after not starting a single game in the EPL.
With Nick Pope enjoying a successful season, there is little doubt that Karius will continue to stay on the bench if he ends up staying at Newcastle. The best decision in this case for both parties will be a quick departure.
#4 Javier Manquillo
Javier Manquillo saw game time hard to come by this season
The former Atletico Madrid man had played an important role for the club in the past but the arrival of Keiran Trippier, who has for large parts of the season been faultless, has reduced Manquillo to the fringes.
The Spanish international is a tenacious defender and has made over 100 appearances for the Magpies since his arrival in 2017. However, his consistent injuries and the signing of Harrison Ashby meant that he could only manage 4 appearances in the 2022-23 PL season.
Still only 28 years of age, Manquillo is under contract until June 2024 which means the upcoming window is the last time Newcastle will be able to get a fee for the player. That should prove enough for him to be shipped off.
#3 Jamaal Lascelles
A Newcastle player since 2014, it might finally be time for Newcastle to part ways with their former vice-captain. Lascelles was an important part of the squad that fought its way back to the top tier of English football in 2017.
The 28-year-old has over 200 appearances for the club and gave it his all each time he played for the Magpies. The player was suitable for the kind of football Rafa Benitez wanted to play. However, Lascelles has never been a comfortable choice for Howe and the French defender started just a couple of times in the last season. Lascelles is under contract until June 2024 as well, which is another reason why the Magpies will be looking to offload him.
#2 Matt Ritchie
Another long-term servant of the club, Matt Ritchie is one of the several players that Eddie Howie had previously worked with at Bournemouth. After playing an influential role in their Premiership return, Ritchie was also completely phased out this season.
Now 32, Ritchie has been replaced by young signings, with the likes of Allan Saint-Maximin, Miguel Almiron, and Anthony Gordon all being preferred over him. With 24 goals and 33 assists in 195 Newcastle United appearances, Ritchie will have his head held high on his way out.
Even if he ends up staying, the versatile midfielder is not expected to play an important role next season. Further signings are only going to further reduce his playing time. Richie did not start a single EPL game and had a total of 7 appearances this season.
#1 Ryan Fraser
Ryan Fraser is set to leave Newcastle at the end of the season
While Ryan Fraser was not an Eddie Howie signing, he had previously played under the manager at Bournemouth. The 29-year-old winger departed Bournemouth after his contract expired in June and did not sign an extension because he did not want to “risk injury” during the Coronavirus pandemic.
Fraser’s time at Newcastle has also been fraught with controversy. This season, he was pushed out of the mains quad and has been training with the under-21s due to problems with his attitude. Howie started him in 3 games, with 8 total EPL appearances coming his way.
Fraser finished the season with 0 goals and assists. He is far down the pecking order, with the Magpies expected to make further signings in the coming window. All signs point to another potential exit from an Eddie Howie team, for Ryan Fraser.