Newcastle United have finalized their plans for the 2026-27 preseason, opting to remain in Europe rather than embark on another long-haul tour.
The club had explored several options earlier in the process, including potential trips to the United States, Asia, Austria and Portugal. However, a decision has now been made to prioritise football-related stuff over commercial opportunities during the summer schedule—thank God.
The shift comes after consecutive years of overseas tours, with Newcastle now
taking a different approach ahead of a campaign where the squad will be much different from the current one, and the touchline—we can only hope—will grace someone not named Eddie Howe.
The Daily Mail’s Craig Hope reported that Newcastle will base itself at La Manga Club in Murcia, Spain, for their preseason training camp. The resort offers multiple training facilities, including eight FIFA-standard pitches and a mini stadium, and has previously been used by elite clubs.
Newcastle have also trained at La Manga in the past, while Eddie Howe used the venue during his time at Bournemouth. Too bad he might not be back. The Magpies are expected to play at least one friendly match during their stay, although final details are still pending confirmation.
The decision to remain in Europe is linked to scheduling around the upcoming World Cup, with concerns that a post-tournament tour in North America would offer reduced commercial and sporting value, per Hope. Many players are expected to require rest following international commitments, which influenced the club’s early planning.
Newcastle are also expected to host fixtures at St James’ Park following their time abroad, with their full preseason schedule set to be confirmed in the coming months.
