(Credit: Imago)

Callum O'Connell

Thu 21 May 2026 13:00, UK

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Eddie Howe has major concerns about his Newcastle United squad ahead of what is set to be a crucial transfer window for the future of the club.

Howe’s side have now officially missed out on qualifying for Europe next season following Chelsea’s win against Tottenham, in what is seen as a huge blow.

A number of players are believed to be considering their futures, including the likes of Sandro Tonali and Tino Livramento, who have attracted high-profile interest.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown warned Football Insider that Howe could realistically lose at least five first-team players with rivals looking to pounce.

The Magpies’ squad is set to be assessed at the end of the season, and departing players will have to be replaced ahead of what will be a busy transfer window for Newcastle.

Eddie Howe bracing for busy summer window at Newcastle

Football Insider revealed last month that Newcastle are set for a signing spree when the transfer window opens, as their owners are set to make “big” funds available.

However, their immediate concern after the season ends will be on the players already on the books, with doubts emerging in key areas of the side.

The squad contains a number of ageing players who could move on, while other players are being targeted and could make big-money moves away.

“Eddie Howe is going to have a very busy summer,” Brown told Football Insider.

“When you look through the squad, there are players in almost every position you can raise concerns about, and that’s going to lead to major concerns.

“In goal, you’ve got [Aaron] Ramsdale who they’re not going to keep, and [Nick] Pope who is getting on and there have been concerns about his performances.

“Then you’ve got the right-back, Livramento, and all of the clubs who are interested in signing him. That’s the same with Tonali in midfield as well.

“Trippier is already on his way out, and it’ll be a blow to lose a player like him.

“Bruno Guimaraes always attracts interest, Anthony Gordon looks like he’ll be moving on, and there are doubts about Anthony Elanga after what has been a difficult first season for him.

“There’s been talk about both strikers and whether they could be allowed to leave as well.

“So for Newcastle and Howe, before you know where you are, there are at least five first-team players who could either leave or will need to be replaced.

“Especially after they haven’t qualified for Europe, because a lot of the players will be thinking they can make a step up if somebody comes in for them.

“It really is a major concern for Newcastle and for the manager because they have to try to keep players and add to the squad, but it’s easier said than done.”

Which players can be expected to leave Newcastle?

Newcastle are bracing for interest in a number of their star players, with clubs including Arsenal, Man City, Man United and Chelsea circling like vultures.

Tonali and Livramento have both been heavily linked with moves away, while there are also doubts about the long-term futures of players like Nick Pope and Dan Burn.

Meanwhile, Football Insider exclusively revealed on 16 May that Bayern Munich will move to sign Anthony Gordon with an initial offer of £65million.

The Magpies are expected to demand £75million for his services, with negotiations to take place over the fee, but the move is said to be edging closer.

This comes after Howe confessed he had left the England international out of his starting XI as he expects him to leave St James’ Park this summer.