Newcastle United transfers: Eddie Howe has hinted at ‘bigger changes’ than anticipated at St James’ Park this summer.

Newcastle United are set for another crucial summer on the back of a largely underwhelming 2025/26 season.

The Magpies have suffered from a post Alexander Isak hangover this season with the side sitting 14th in the Premier League table and set to miss out on Europe with five games left to play.

The club had a transfer outlay of around £250million last summer with Nick Woltemade, Yoane Wissa, Jacob Ramsey, Anthony Elanga and Malick Thiaw all joining on permanent deals while Aaron Ramsdale joined on loan. It’s a window that has been heavily criticised by supporters, the media and even some close to the club with several of the signings struggling to make an impact of find consistency in the side.

The lasting effects of that window could be felt again this summer, particularly if the side miss out on Europe. And with UEFA punishment likely, which could limit transfer spending, head coach Eddie Howe has warned that there could be some big changes ahead.

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‘Bigger changes’ than first thought at NUFC - Eddie Howe’s transfer warning

"I think we're always looking at the team and trying to make assessments and judgements for the future,” Howe said. “I think that's natural, whether you're in a good period or a bad one.

“But of course, if the team's not performing then potentially there might be bigger changes in the summer than was maybe previously first thought.”

Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon and Tino Livramento are three players who have been heavily linked with moves away this summer, but there are likely to be more departures.

This week, The Gazette reported that big name players were more likely to leave Newcastle this summer than the manager despite mounting external pressure. Internally, Howe is understood to have the club’s full support to play a pivotal role in the summer transfer plans.

“I think you have to react to what you see, and that goes on a daily basis, a weekly basis behind the scenes,” Howe explained. “It's about attitude, commitment to the team. I think the players would expect that, I think they understand the demands and the role they're in.

“It's a high-demand, high-pressure role where you're constantly judged and people are making assessments over your future. I think there's a responsibility in every moment to try to be at your best.

“That responsibility falls on me as well, to make sure I'm delivering the best I can for the players and staff to create an environment we can win in. It goes with the territory and I think the players understand it.”

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Several Newcastle players in the squad will always be remembered fondly for their impact at the club and the roles they’ve played in Champions League qualification and winning the Carabao Cup.

When asked if this season risks harming certain players’ legacies, Howe responded: “We are all feeling that pain [of losing], it’s been a difficult period for us.

“We are very determined to win as many games as we can and put it right. We pride ourselves historically on fighting to the end.

“But I feel we are lacking some confidence at the moment and there is only one way to get that back - hard work, train well and staying stable mentally. Seeing it for what it is.”

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