Newcastle United have confirmed the departures of five first team players as their summer revolution began with a cull of fringe players.
Paul Dummett and Matt Ritchie – who have made 428 appearances between them – leave at the end of their contracts, along with back-up goalkeeper Loris Karius, midfielder Jeff Hendrick and Kell Watts.
A revamp of the squad was anticipated but the need for an overhaul was illuminated after Newcastle failed to qualify for Europe. A seventh-placed finish in the Premier League looked to have secured European football until Manchester United won the FA Cup, thus claiming the final Europa League spot and demoting Chelsea down to the Conference League.
“I’d like to say a huge thank you to each of the players leaving the club this summer,” said manager Eddie Howe.
“They have all given so much to the cause in their own ways, and I know our supporters will join me in wishing them every success with the next step in their careers.
“It’s easy to judge players by appearances and goals, but the contribution made to the club by Paul and Matt in particular really has been immeasurable over many years. They have had a huge influence on our progress as a team and as a club.
“They have been incredible people and players to work with. Their dedication, professionalism and leadership in the dressing room during my time here has been first class, and they will bring undoubted quality and experience to their next clubs.
“It’s also a significant moment for Kell, who has been with the club since he was eight. Kell is a top professional with an outstanding attitude, and his next club will be incredibly fortunate to have him.”
As reported by i, Newcastle will target three “high impact” signings this summer.
Newcastle’s summer transfer plans
The five departures signal the start of a summer where Newcastle are focusing on quality over quantity in terms of recruitment.
Newcastle have held talks with Valencia over goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, with Martin Dubravka’s future increasingly uncertain.
Dubravka is one of seven players out of contract next summer, likewise Dan Burn, Trippier and Callum Wilson.
Newcastle could therefore be willing to listen to offers for those players, especially as profitability and sustainability rules (PSR) mean they likely have to sell before any significant incomings.
Nevertheless, they are hopeful of sealing a move for both Bournemouth’s Lloyd Kelly and fellow free agent Tosin Adarabioyo, who is leaving Fulham.
Newcastle face competition from Chelsea and Manchester United for Adarabioyo, but made “concrete” progress last week in their attempts to lure the defender to St James’ Park.
Meanwhile, the disappointment of no European football next season should not impact the futures of Bruno Guimaraes and Alexander Isak.
There had been fears the club may be forced to offload one of their star players earlier this year.
However, with PSR concerns somewhat eased, there is no need to sell Isak or Guimaraes on the cheap.
Guimaraes’ future will be dictated by whether Arsenal or Manchester City decide to trigger his £100m release clause before the end of June, while it would take some offer to tempt Newcastle into selling Isak.
from Football - inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/GPyYTar
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