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:
13. Jamal Lewis
Lewis, who joined from Norwich City for £15m last year, hasn’t started a Premier League fixture since February. Photo: Michael Regan
14. Matt Ritchie
Ritchie has been Bruce’s preferred option at left-wing back since his return to the starting XI at the back end of last season. Photo: Michael Regan
15. Isaac Hayden
Hayden, who was linked with Watford this summer, missed the draw with Southampton after tweaking his knee in the defeat at Aston Villa. Photo: George Wood
16. Jeff Hendrick
The Republic of Ireland international is currently on the fringes of Bruce’s starting XI, despite an impressive outing in the Carabao Cup against Burnley. Photo: Michael Regan