Newcastle United are internally bracing for what is expected to be a defining summer, with senior figures keen to restore stability and use the 2026 window to properly move the squad forward, according to The Athletic’s Chris Waugh.
Addressing a fan question during his latest Newcastle Q&A, Waugh wrote there is a strong recognition inside the club that recent off-seasons have been too disruptive and that the consequences have lingered longer than expected.
“Without doubt, Newcastle require stability
and a summer without the upheaval seen during the past two off-seasons,” Waugh wrote. “The effects of the summer of 2024 were felt well into last season, and arguably the aftershock from last summer is being felt even more keenly and for longer into this campaign.”
Waugh noted that much of the public messaging from NUFC recently has centred on the January transfer window as well as other off-field, long-term infrastructure projects such as the new stadium and training facilities.
However, Howe stressed that behind the scenes, leadership continuity is viewed as critical.
“David Hopkinson, the CEO who arrived in September, and Ross Wilson, the sporting director who joined last month, have spoken about the leadership void they have been looking to fill and it feels critical for Newcastle’s future that they have an off-season with the present executives in post, planning for the long term,” Waugh wrote.
That continuity is expected to shape what Waugh described as a pivotal transfer window.
“What is being anticipated next summer is a critical transfer window,” he added. “If the last window was about creating greater depth within the squad, in 2026 it is important that Newcastle refresh — and hopefully even improve upon — their first XI.”
Waugh outlined several squad positions will likely be addressed, beginning with the goalies.
“The goalkeeper department requires reviewing, with an evolution beyond Pope arguably required,” Waugh wrote, mostly referencing Nick Pope, as he seems to be losing a step as he ages out of the game.
“Newcastle may benefit from a creative midfielder, or a metronomic passer at the base of their engine room, to help them progress as a side,” Waugh wrote regarding potential midfield reinforcements.
The underlying message, according to Waugh, is that next summer is widely viewed internally as the moment for Newcastle to reset properly, with stable leadership and a clearer long-term plan finally in place.
