Monday, December 16, 2024

Newcastle Q&A: Contract talks on Mitchell’s agenda

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Paul MitchellPaul Mitchell

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Over the course of Friday, BBC Radio Newcastle’s Matthew Raisbeck will be answering your questions on the Magpies.

In the first part, he takes a look at the squad situation for Eddie Howe, with numerous contracts approaching the end.

Liam asked: With 12 players contracts expiring in June, including 10 senior players, another six expiring in 2026 and a squad already lacking in depth, have the club got enough breathing space from breaching profit and sustainability regulations to improve or even reinforce the squad?

Matthew replied: This will be on the agenda of new sporting director Paul Mitchell.

I am really curious about the changes he will be making to the club’s transfer policy, given he suggested recently it had not been fit for purpose.

The exact PSR numbers are unknown but given Newcastle have gone through two windows without making a major signing – but were offering big money to Crystal Palace for Marc Guehi – it is a fair assumption they will have enough headroom to make significant moves in the market from January onwards.

Some of those coming towards the end of their contracts are not first-choice players. However, I think Eddie Howe will want to retain the likes of Fabian Schar, Dan Burn and Emil Krafth even when new signings come in.

Even so, I do agree with you that the squad, as it is, lacks depth.

When everyone is fit, the starting XI is excellent, but just two or three injuries can leave them exposed. I think the priority has to be recruitment, rather than player sales.

Matthew commentates on every Newcastle United match for BBC Radio Newcastle.

He also has the latest news from St James’ Park every weeknight at 18:00 BST on Total Sport North East

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