For a bit of fun, we've used the latest edition of Football Manager to travel five years into the future, and taken a look at how Newcastle United' s side shapes up. This is how the management simulator predicts the Magpies will be lining up in January 2026.
1. GK: Edouard Mendy
You join us in January 2026, where Newcastle United, under new owners, have assembled quite the squad. The Senegal international is the Magpies' new number one. Photo: CATHERINE IVILL
2. RB: James Justin
Newcastle splashed close to £30m to sign the Leicester City defender in 2022, after he fell out of favour at the King Power Stadium. His work rate and stamina attributes are particularly impressive. Photo: Pool
3. CB: Francisco Sierralta
After excelling with Watford, the Chilean powerhouse spent time with RB Salzburg, Leeds and Galatasary respectively before heading to St James' Park on a £12m deal in 2025. Photo: Richard Heathcote
4. CB: Scott McKenna
The tough-tackling Scotsman partners Sierralta at the back, and is adapting well to the rigours of Premier League football following his spell with Nottingham Forest. Photo: Laurence Griffiths