A shift in transfer strategy?

Newcastle had previously managed to keep hold of their most important players, but the side who made history by ending a seven-decade wait for a major domestic trophy in 2025 has broken up. Of the 26 players pictured in a jubilant team photograph after the EFL Cup final win against Liverpool , 11 have left the club. Some changes were overdue, yet there is also a delicate balance to strike. Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe touched upon this in one of his final news conferences of last season when he warned "the squad can't get weaker". The squad, as it is now, has clear gaps, but Newcastle are understood to have made progress on a move for exciting Freiburg midfielder Johan Manzambi. Newcastle have also completed the signings of winger Bazoumana Toure, midfielder Sean Steur and goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen. Turning to younger players from European clubs is a strategy others have adopted successfully. Bournemouth, who finished sixth last season, have shown how clubs can recover from the loss of key players with the help of smart recruitment and good coaching. But experience is needed, too, and Bruno Guimaraes is priceless to Newcastle in that regard. Losing him would mean the whole project is called into question. Read Ciaran's analysis in full here