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:
21. Ryan Fraser
Fraser is a natural wide player but the 5-3-2 system forces the Scotsman to play as a number eight or second striker. Photo: George Wood
22. Allan Saint-Maximin
The Frenchman, who has featured in all four games so far, makes United tick and without him, you doubt their chances of winning. Photo: George Wood
23. Joelinton
Joelinton showed signs of improvement during the latter stages of last season but question marks remain over his ability to play as an out-and-out striker. Photo: Michael Regan
24. Callum Wilson
An injury to Wilson is a big worry for Newcastle fans, although Bruce insists he has “adequate cover” up top. Photo: George Wood