5 Newcastle United fringe players who face an uncertain future this summer
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While Eddie Howe will be focussed on the rest of Newcastle United’s season with upcoming games in the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League looming, one eye will be on the summer.
After a disruptive summer transfer window last year Howe will hope the appointment of Ross Wilson as Sporting Director will help with a smoother summer window this year. Here we take a look at five fringe players who face an uncertain future at the club this summer.
Will Osula
Osula joined the club in 2024 for £10million from Sheffield United but has failed to nail down a place in Eddie Howe’s side. The Danish striker has bagged three times this season and started in the second leg against Qarabag after recovering from an ankle injury.
Osula was subject to interest from Aston Villa in the summer and a last minute bid from Eintracht Frankfurt nearly saw the 22-year-old move to the Bundesliga. With the signings of Nick Woltemade and Yoanne Wissa and the deployment of Anthony Gordon as Newcastle’s centre forward, opportunities have become hard to come by for Osula whose contract runs until 2029.
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Emil Krafth
The Swedish international has appeared 106 times since joining the Magpies for £5million from Amiens in 2019 but has only appeared three times this season. The 31-year-old has struggled with injuries and he is not expected to feature again for the Magpies this campaign after undergoing surgery on his knee.
Krafth signed a one year contract extension with the club in February 2025 but that is due to expire this summer and it is uncertain whether another one will be offered.
Aaron Ramsdale
Ramsdale joined the club on a season-long loan with an option to buy last summer after a move for James Trafford fell through. The former Arsenal keeper has made 15 appearances since joining but was unable to cement his place in the side when Nick Pope was out injured for a few weeks at the end of 2025.
Ramsdale was the hero for Eddie Howe’s side in the third round of the FA Cup against Bournemouth when he saved three penalties in the shootout and he is expected to start against Manchester City in the competition on Saturday.
Mark Gillespie
Howe has praised the 33-year-old’s influence around the squad in the past but his contract is due to expire in the summer. Gillespie made three appearances for the club in the 2020/21 season; however, he has not played competitively for the first team since.
Alex Murphy
Murphy impressed for United in the Champions League second leg against Qarabag and has featured ten times for Newcastle this season.
The Irish defender signed a new long-term contract in 2024 and made his debut in the 4-1 victory over Chelsea last season before going out on loan to Bolton Wanderers. Depending on United’s summer transfer activity the 21-year-old may be encouraged to go back out on loan to gain more first team football.
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