Premier League: Newcastle United Possible XI For 2025-26 Season
The Magpies return to the UEFA Champions League in the 2025-26 season, 2 years after their last appearance.
The 2024-25 season saw Newcastle win the EFL Cup, its first major trophy since the 1968-69 season. A fifth-place finish also meant Newcastle achieved Champions League football on the final day of the season, with the plaudits pouring in for manager Eddie Howe.
A first major trophy added with a second Champions League season is a sign of progress under Saudi-backed ownership, which took over the reins at Tyneside in 2021.
A more constant appearance in the Champions League and a Premier League challenge would be seen as an improvement as they prepare for the start of the season. Newcastle will need a good transfer window to strengthen the squad further.
Also Read: Aston Villa, Newcastle, and Tottenham in Race for Manchester City’s Flop Signing
Goalkeeper
Newcastle pushed for Burnley’s James Trafford. The 22-year-old had an outstanding 2024-25 season in the Championship, and Newcastle had the opportunity to close out a deal before the commencement of the FIFA Club World Cup, but its offer was considered insufficient.
According to David Ornstein, Manchester City has now agreed to pay a buyback fee of £27m after selling for £14m. Newcastle eventually raised its offer in July, but it was already too late, as the lure of an Etihad return was too much for Trafford to ignore.
33-year-old Nick Pope is now expected to continue between the sticks for his fourth season at Newcastle ahead of Martin Dubravka and Odysseas. However, the Likelihood of 27-year-old Aaron Ramsdale joining from Southampton on an initial load deal could mean it’s only a matter of time until Pope is phased out of the team—it could even be this season.
Goalkeeper: Nick Pope
Defence
The return of Sven Botman, after missing most of last season, will not only relieve manager Eddie Howe but also add the steel and quality that the Magpies missed last season.
He will be eased in gradually to manage his fitness, but once fully fit, the Dutchman is expected to start in the heart of defence and partner with Fabian Schar. Tino Livramento is expected to keep his spot at Left Back with Kieran Trippier at right back, but the 34-year-old former Tottenham man could be gradually phased out this season, which could see Dan Burn return to left back and Livramento switch to his preferred right back slot.
Defence: Dan Burn, Sven Botman, Fabian Schar, Tino Livramento
Midfield
Sean Longstaff’s role in the midfield had diminished somewhat last season, hence his €13.8m move to newly promoted Leeds came as no surprise.
As such, the midfield composition remains the same, with Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes expected to continue. Both players have openly pledged loyalty to Newcastle, and there have been very few reports of an exit compared to previous summers.
Joelington and Joe Willock will complement both men, although Newcastle may have to sign a central midfielder to compensate for Longstaff’s departure.
Midfield: Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, Joelington
Also Read: Top Performers Of Premier League 2024-25 Season
Attack
Newcastle completed the signing of Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest for €61.40m and is immediately expected to take his place on the right of the attack even though Jacob Murphy played a significant role in helping Newcastle achieve Champions League football.
Anthony Gordon lost his place on the left last season but is expected to be given a clean slate starting the 2025-26 season.
Alexander Isak wants to leave following reports of Liverpool’s strong interest, but after facing another rejection, this time from Benjamin Sesko, Newcastle is highly unlikely to let the striker leave unless they find a quality replacement.
Attack: Anthony Elanga, Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon
Newcastle Starting IX
Pope; Trippier, Botman, Schar, Livramento; Tonali, Guimaraes, Joelington; Elanga, Sesko, Gordon
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