Here’s how Newcastle United’s squad is shaping up ahead of the new Premier League season.

The strength of Newcastle United’s squad has been the subject of much debate this summer.

From the side that finished 12th in the Premier League last season, Newcastle have sold Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes. In addition, Kieran Trippier, Emil Krafth, John Ruddy were released, while Aaron Ramsdale returned to his parent club Southampton following a loan spell.

Defender Alex Murphy has also left on loan to free up another squad place.

Matthias Jaissle, Manager of Newcastle United talks to Jacob Murphy and Mason Miley during the pre-season friendly match between Newcastle United and Everton at Scottish Gas Murrayfield on August 12, 2026 in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) | Getty Images

placeholder image — Matthias Jaissle, Manager of Newcastle United talks to Jacob Murphy and Mason Miley during the pre-season friendly match between Newcastle United and Everton at Scottish Gas Murrayfield on August 12, 2026 in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) | Getty Images

It left Newcastle with eight places to fill in their squad ahead of the upcoming 2026/27 Premier League season. While Newcastle have made five summer signings in Ewen Jaouen, Bazoumana Toure, Sean Steur, Aladji Bamba and Lukas Hornicek so far, only Hornicek will take up a squad place.

This is due to the other four all being under the age of 21. As per Premier League rules, any players born on or after January 1, 2005 are not included in the squad list but are still eligible to play.

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It’s a rule Newcastle are looking to exploit this season with young players, but they can only do so if they fill the vacant spaces in the squad with senior players. The Gazette understands that Hornicek’s arrival will lead to the departure of Nick Pope.

Should Pope leave or not be included in Newcastle’s Premier League squad, Matthias Jaissle is left with just 17 senior players as things stand heading into the new season, and that’s including goalkeeper Mark Gillespie - who has never played a Premier League match for the club.

It gives Newcastle room to make eight new senior signings before deadline day without having to sell any players or make room in their squad. The club are currently pushing to sign 23-year-old Amar Dedic from Benfica, who will take up a place in the squad if a deal is completed.

In addition to four of Newcastle’s summer signings, 20-year-old midfielder Lewis Miley is a first-team regular who also won’t take up a place in the 25-man squad. However, Lewis Hall, who was not included in last season’s squad list, will now have to be included as he turns 22 in September.

The reality is that Newcastle’s squad situation only serves to highlight the youthfulness of their squad heading into the new season.

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