Three Newcastle players fighting for their futures ahead of January as Crystal Palace set sights on deal
Newcastle have some big decisions to make over key players in their squad ahead of the January transfer window.
As Newcastle seek to become the world’s top club, they will have to nail the upcoming transfer windows to ensure they are both profitable and remain competitive.
Finance expert Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider that Newcastle must generate more than £500million in revenue a season to compete at the top of the Premier League, adding extra pressure to cash in on some unwanted stars in January.
Conversely, Football Insider picks out three players that must fight to stay at St James’ Park ahead of what will be a pivotal transfer window for the Magpies.
Nick Pope
Although Nick Pope is currently out of action for Newcastle through injury, upon his return around the Chelsea match on 20 December, the goalkeeper will need to hit the ground running again.
Eddie Howe has been unhappy with his current options in between the sticks and, with the Englishman’s contract expiring at the end of the season, may cash in in January.
Pope is in his fourth season on Tyneside but will need to bounce back immediately from injury to prove to his manager why he should stay at the club.
Moreover, with Aaron Ramsdale competing for a permanent transfer come the end of the campaign, the pressure is truly on the ex-Burnley shot stopper to perform.
Fabian Schar
Another player in the same contract predicament as Pope is Fabian Schar who too could be on his way out of St James’ Park at the end of the 2025-26 season.
The Switzerland international has been with the Toon since 2018-19, yet, at 33-years-old, is not getting any younger.
The arrival of Malick Thiaw has seen a shake-up at the back, pushing Schar mostly to the bench in recent weeks.
Ahead of a congested winter period of fixtures, the number five will have to play incredibly well to prove to Howe he deserves a new deal and shouldn’t be sold in January.
Joe Willock
Whilst sources told Football Insider that Crystal Palace are interested in signing Joe Willock in January, the midfielder may have different ideas about a move away from Tyneside.
The 26-year-old has battled with niggling injuries throughout his time at Newcastle, yet has been called upon in recent matches to help with the heavy workload of Howe’s midfield.
The former Arsenal man will feel he has a point to prove to stay in the north east, having been pushed down the pecking order due to the flurry of upgrades in the middle of the park.
Moreover, given the immense amount of fixtures the Toon will face in the coming weeks, Willock will be vying to demonstrate to his manager that he is not just surplus to requirement, but in fact a useful member of the squad who should be called upon more regularly.