According to The Athletic’s Chris Waugh, Newcastle United’s January plans include potential sales and loan moves, but any outgoings will be shaped by incoming players and the club’s ongoing injury situation.
On possible departures, Waugh wrote that “Joe Willock is among the most likely to depart, should a midfielder arrive.” Hope noted that Willock’s contract runs until 2027 and that “there is genuine Premier League interest in the midfielder.”
“Will Osula, the 22-year-old striker who almost joined
Eintracht Frankfurt in August, may also go,” Hope reported, noting that this scenario is conditional, explaining that “that will only happen if Newcastle can sign a young forward, which is far from certain,” and pointing out that Osula “is currently sidelined with a foot problem.”
Waugh also confirmed that “Frankfurt remain keen and Osula is among multiple forward options they are considering for January.”
On the defensive side, Waugh reported that “Kieran Trippier is 35 and his Newcastle career appears to be coming towards a natural conclusion, given his contract expires in the summer, and an exit cannot be entirely ruled out.”
“The likelihood of Trippier and/or Krafth leaving has diminished as the defensive injuries have piled up,” Hope reported. “Emil Krafth, the 31-year-old defender who is in the last year of his deal, may depart, with Copenhagen interested.”
One player clearly available is Harrison Ashby.
“The 24-year-old right-back who has never made a senior appearance since joining from West Ham in 2023,” Waugh reported, “is available for a permanent transfer.”
Regarding loans, Waugh wrote that “Newcastle will look to get first-team experience for some of their promising youth players,” naming Sean Neave, Leo Shahar and Alfie Harrison as candidates. Hope added that Alex Murphy “may also head out, although only if multiple Newcastle defenders return to fitness.”
Finally, Waugh confirmed that Newcastle could even recall a loanee, noting that “Matt Targett is at Middlesbrough but Newcastle have a recall clause they can exercise,” and that “Howe has not ruled out doing so.”
