The 10 Newcastle United players facing an uncertain future ahead of 2026 and 2027 contract decisions

Several Newcastle United players have reached critical points in their current contracts - and that has left the St James Park hierarchy facing some major decisions over what could lie ahead.

The Magpies are currently focusing their attention their attempts to make progress in several competitions over the coming weeks with big games in the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup lying in wait for Eddie Howe and his players.

The January transfer window is also now upon us and the Magpies are believed to be looking to add a defender and a midfielder to their squad - although an attacking player could also be considered if former Sheffield United forward Will Osula does depart over the coming weeks.

There will also be departures from St James Park and the current contract status of a number of players across the Magpies ranks means they could be at the front of the queue when it comes to potential outgoings before the window closes early next month. So what decisions lie in wait for the Magpies and which players are currently set to leave on free transfers at the end of the season?

Which players could leave Newcastle United on a free transfer this summer?

There appears to be something of a defensive rebuild on the cards at St James Park this summer as several players approach the final months of their existing contracts. United stalwarts Jamaal Lascelles and Fabian Schar are both currently set to leave the club on free transfers at the end of the season - although there would be little surprise if Eddie Howe was to push to retain the services of the latter as the Swiss international continues to prove his worth.

Options at right-back will also be assessed with both Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth both out of contact this summer and there have been some suggestions the latter could depart during the summer transfer window with Danish club Copenhagen are keen on his signature. Elsewhere in the squad, goalkeeper Mark Gillespie will also be available on a free transfer at the end of the season and a decision will be taken on if loan signing Aaron Ramsdale is handed a permanent deal on Tyneside when his temporary agreement comes to an end in May. Nick Pope was also set to be out of contract at the end of the season - but the England international seems likely to remain at St James Park after United triggered a one-year option in his deal.

Which players have entered the final 18 months of their current contracts?

Four Newcastle United players have now entered the final 18 months of their current contracts at St James Park and that means there are some major decisions looming over what comes next. Of the quartet, midfielder Joe Willock appears to be the most likely to leave Newcastle and there have been suggestions Crystal Palace are keen to sign the former Arsenal midfielder during the January transfer window. The Magpies are believed to have opened talks with Dutch defender Sven Botman over a possible extension to his current deal and news is awaited on what could lie in wait for two Eddie Howe favourites as Dan Burn and Jacob Murphy also approach the final year of their current agreements.

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