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:
17. Sean Longstaff
With Shelvey out with a calf injury, the Geordie midfielder, linked with Everton, has played in the middle of the midfield three. Photo: Ian MacNicol
18. Jonjo Shelvey
The 29-year-old tends to be a guaranteed starter under Bruce, however calf injuries have disrupted his pre-season and start to the competitive campaign. Photo: LINDSEY PARNABY
19. Joe Willock
Willock, the club’s only summer signing, is a key dimension to Bruce’s starting XI via his ability to get between and play in both boxes. Photo: LINDSEY PARNABY
20. Miguel Almiron
Central midfield isn’t Almiron's best position by any stretch but that’s where Bruce sees the Paraguayan fit in at this very moment. Photo: Ian MacNicol