Steve Bruce allowed the likes of Andy Carroll, Florian Lejeune, Christian Atsu, Yoshinori Muto, Henri Saivet and Matty Longstaff to leave this summer but could only replace those with one summer signing.
Only Joe Willock arrived through the doors at St James’s Park, forcing the club to defend its lack of transfer activity via a shock statement last week after fan backlash.
Willock, unlike last term during his loan period, must be named in the 25-man squad after reaching the age of 22. Indeed, this does not apply to under-21s players.
Bruce spoke previously of the “unprecedented” decision to register four goalkeepers, which is now a certainty after a late loan move for Leicester City’s Hamza Choudhury fell through.
But who is set to join them? Here, we take you through Newcastle’s likely Premier League 25-man squad:
9. Federico Fernandez
Fernandez has started United’s three Premier League matches so far after recently signing a new two-year contract. Photo: Ian MacNicol
10. Jamaal Lascelles
Newcastle’s captain missed the opening day defeat to West Ham but has played every minute since - conceding penalties against Aston Villa and Southampton. Photo: Ian MacNicol
11. Ciaran Clark
Clark has been benched for the previous two Premier League matches, despite playing 90 minutes against West Ham in the first game. Photo: George Wood
12. Paul Dummett
Injury forced the 29-year-old to miss Newcastle’s start to the campaign, though he’s expected to return after the international break. Photo: Charlotte Tattersall