With the January transfer window now over, attention on Tyneside will turn to our summer plans and sorting out certain contracts that are due to expire at the end of the season.
Several first team players are out of contract in the summer with some highly unlikely to be offered new deals, but talks have already begun with multiple talents that Eddie Howe wishes to keep in the north east.
Sean Longstaff signed a one-year contract extension this season that will keep him at the club until 2026 after some speculation that he may have moved on a free transfer in the winter window, and the club appear to be moving swiftly to secure the future of three first teamers.
New contract talks confirmed
Newcastle and Martin Dubravka are “in discussions” over a new contract, confirms manager Eddie Howe.
It was reported last month by The Mail’s Craig Hope that ‘Heco’ had already started to pack his belongings ahead of a proposed move to Saudi Arabia, but an injury to Nick Pope and solid run of performances from the Slovakian has changed things.
It was suggested that the 36-year-old was given a salary boost that would match his Saudi contract in order for him to remain a Newcastle player until the summer before being allowed to leave on a free. But, Howe’s latest comments indicate that a new contract could be agreed that sees him stay beyond the summer.
“We’re in discussions with Martin over a new contract, and hopefully there’ll be a swift conclusion there,” Howe told the press. “But he hasn’t sought any certainties on his place or anything beyond trying to stay in the team and do well.”
Two defenders set to extend?
Dubravka is not the only one currently out of contract in 2025, and The Mail hav recently revealed that Newcastle are in talks with the representatives of Fabian Schar and Emil Krafth regarding new contracts.
Schar is aging like a fine wine and is an experienced member of the squad, while Krafth has proven to be capable when fit and called upon – but they aren’t the only two out of contract this summer, as things stand.
Callum Wilson is the most likely of the other five to have his contract prolonged. Despite his fitness issues, Wilson has a one-year extension clause in his contract that would protect his value – presuming there will be any potential suitors in the summer given his age and injury record.
Goalkeepers John Ruddy and Mark Gillespie will both be out of contract this summer with a decision needing to be made on the number of first team goalkeepers, particularly if Dubravka extends and Odysseas Vlachodimos is not moved on.
The contracts of Jamaal Lascelles and Jamal Lewis are both set to be allowed to expire this summer. Lascelles has suffered with ACL issues and has fallen way down the pecking order within the club, Lewis meanwhile has struggled in his loan spells – the latest ending in an injury of his own, and extending his contract is unlikely.