Newcastle United made six notable additions to the first-team squad during the summer transfer window, but as the dust settles, manager Eddie Howe should now shift his focus toward securing the futures of key players.
It’s been a turbulent few months on Tyneside. After qualifying for the Champions League, the club lost top scorer Alexander Isak to Liverpool and failed to land several priority targets. Still, Newcastle emerged from the window with a stronger overall squad.
With business done, now is the ideal time for Howe and the club’s hierarchy to review current contracts. Talks are reportedly already underway with Tino Livramento, and discussions with Sandro Tonali and Sven Botman could follow. While Dan Burn and Anthony Gordon have recently penned new deals, other players have just as strong a case for contract extensions starting with these three:
Fabian Schär
Now 33, Schär remains one of the club’s most dependable performers. Despite the arrival of Malick Thiaw this summer, Howe has continued to trust the Swiss defender in high-profile matches, including against Liverpool and Aston Villa.
Schär has formed a rock-solid defensive partnership with Dan Burn, playing a vital role in the club’s return to the Champions League and helping secure the Carabao Cup triumph in March. His current deal expires next summer, and though he signed an extension in April, it didn’t include an option for an additional year.
Having made 232 appearances since joining from Deportivo La Coruña for just £3 million in 2018, Schär could go down as one of the best bargain signings in Premier League history. Given his continued importance, a new contract would be well deserved.
Jacob Murphy
Jacob Murphy’s career at Newcastle got off to a slow start, but he’s since become an important squad player. Now 30, the winger enjoyed a career-best Premier League season last year, tallying eight goals and 12 assists.
Although Anthony Elanga has taken over his spot in the starting XI, Murphy’s role remains crucial in a demanding campaign that includes Champions League fixtures and domestic cup runs. He will be relied upon for squad rotation and depth.
Murphy is under contract until 2027 after signing a six-year extension back in 2021. However, after changing agents earlier this year now represented by Wasserman a new deal could be on the cards. Currently earning £35,000 per week, his recent form might justify a pay rise.
Bruno Guimarães
Captain Bruno Guimarães has been a standout figure since taking the armband, leading Newcastle to Carabao Cup glory and embracing the spirit of the club and city alike.
The Brazilian midfielder, who signed a lucrative extension in 2023, still has nearly three years remaining on his current deal. However, given his influence on and off the pitch, the club may want to lock him down for even longer potentially with improved terms.
Guimarães has expressed his desire to win the Premier League with Newcastle. While that dream may take time, offering him a new long-term deal would be a sign of the club’s ambition and belief in his leadership.
With the transfer market closed, retaining and rewarding loyal contributors like Schär, Murphy, and Guimarães could be just as important as bringing in new faces especially if Newcastle want to build lasting success.
