The Newcastle rebuild: Who stays? Who goes?

Up for debate:

As is to be expected regarding a rebuild of this scale, several players fall into this category.

First off, club-captain Jamaal Lascelles. The skipper has fallen down the pecking order under the new management and is now regarded as a third-choice centre-back.

Not helped by a tendency to make mistakes and a lack of the mobility needed to play within a higher pressing system, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Englishman exit even if it is viewed as a statement by the board.

Another senior member in the dressing room whose future has been cast into doubt is Martin Dubravka. With reports Man United’s Dean Henderson and Arsenal’s Bernd Leno are available, a move for either could spell the end of the Slovakian’s four-year spell at the club.

Lastly, and perhaps the most controversial of the bunch, are forwards Miguel Almirón and Callum Wilson. The latter is arguably Newcastle’s first-choice striker when fit but has been forced to miss over four months of the season with an Achilles injury.

Wilson returned to action coming off the bench in Newcastle’s 5-0 loss to Man City on Sunday, but his stained fitness record has led some to debate whether he will remain a mainstay in Howe’s plans.

Almirón’s whereabouts next season on the other hand is hard to predict. A fan favourite and then club-record signing upon signing from Atlanta for £20m in January 2019, the versatile Paraguayan is thought to be in a battle with teammate Jacob Murphy whose future is also somewhat of an unknown entity.

Considering both Murphy and Almirón’s respective ages – 28 and 27 – higher-ups at the club will likely listen to offers rather than push for a sale. Neither has featured consistently under Howe yet could generate funds or offer a return on the pitch in equal measure.

Wilson, however, may benefit from his longstanding relationship with Eddie Howe having both worked together at Bournemouth.

At 30 years of age, a potential transfer fee would be relatively low, and he certainly has more to give if a level of fitness can be found.

Ahead of a summer transfer window set for fireworks, we will be sure to keep you updated as and when Newcastle United make their moves.