Crowned EFL Cup champions just 13 months ago following a famous 2-1 victory against Liverpool at Wembley as they claimed a first piece of silverware in 70 years, Newcastle opened up the 2025/26 campaign with a real spring in their step.
However, despite getting proceedings underway back in August with their sights firmly set on punching another lucrative Champions League ticket, the Magpies have endured a public crisis this season.
With the pressure on Eddie Howe’s shoulders now starting to reach a boiling point, Newcastle remarkably find themselves sat way down in 14th-place and they appear destined to settle for a downbeat bottom-half finish.
With the speculation surrounding Howe’s future at St. James’ Park really starting to heat up, fans around Tyneside are bracing themselves for a potential complete overhaul this summer.
Watching Alexander Isak eventually complete an incredibly messy divorce last summer, many European giants are circling over St. James’ Park.
Bruno Guimaraes
While Bruno Guimaraes might not have featured since back on February 10th and still remains on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, Newcastle’s talismanic skipper still remains their ultimate poster boy.
Cementing his spot as a modern era icon at St. James’ Park since arriving from Lyon back in the summer of 2022, the Brazilian international has embarked on a real rise to superstardom.
However, set to enter the final two years of his current deal on Tyneside this summer, the 28-year-old is reportedly keen on a new adventure and is hoping to have his future sorted before travelling to North America for the 2026 World Cup.
Although Guimaraes might not be willing to follow in Isak’s footsteps and actively force a move away from St. James’ Park, the ex-Lyon starlet has made it clear that he wants to be playing Champions League football.
Spending five years on Tyneside and blossoming into one of Europe’s hottest midfield stars, it has been suggested that the Newcastle skipper could be extending his stay in the Premier League.
Reuters reported last month that Guimaraes’ representatives have already held talks with Manchester United over a potential £80million move to Old Trafford.
🚨🇧🇷 No release clause is included into Bruno Guimarães deal at Newcastle for this summer.
£100m clause expired in June 2024, no longer valid.
Any deal would take a negotiation with #NUFC amid links of recent days.
🎥➕ https://t.co/O367QmsSt4 pic.twitter.com/brwieXsDXU
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 20, 2026
Sandro Tonali
Although Sandro Tonali might have endured a nightmare start to life at St. James’ Park after being handed an immediate 10-month ban for breaching betting regulations back in May 2024, the former AC Milan midfielder has come roaring back in a dominant fashion.
Despite reportedly being left heartbroken after being forced out of his boyhood club due to financial matters two years ago, Tonali has been one of the few positives notes for Howe’s side this season.
Enjoying what has been a breakout campaign on Tyneside, the Italian international almost finds himself in an identical position to his midfield partner.
While a reported Deadline Day move to Arsenal might have failed to materialise during the January transfer window, it has been suggested that the 25-year-old is eyeing a speedy move away from St. James’.
Copying Guimaraes by making it clear to the Newcastle hierarchy that he is keen on playing in Europe’s elite club competition next season, Tonali is attracting plenty of heavyweight interest.
In fact, alongside his midfield partner, the Italian ace is reportedly high on Man United’s summer wishlist and has plenty of admirers at Old Trafford.
🚨 Manchester United have Sandro Tonali very high on their shortlist for June, as reported. The player would be open to the move.
Elliot Anderson, another name on shortlist but Manchester City are still ahead — with very serious interest.
Man City and Arsenal, both also… pic.twitter.com/B9MVRrWljP
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 30, 2026
Anthony Gordon
Although Anthony Gordon might have registered just six Premier League strikes this season, the former Everton starlet still finds his stock at a red-hot high.
Expected to be part of Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad this summer, the 25-year-old has certainly saved his best performances for the European stage.
Remarkably bagging 10 Champions League goals in his 12 European appearances this season, only England skipper Harry Kane and Real Madrid talisman Kylian Mbappe have registered more strikes during this year’s tournament.
Alongside recent speculation over a potential blockbuster move to Arsenal, reports this week have suggested that German giants Bayern Munich are keeping a close eye on proceedings.
While former Liverpool star Luis Diaz might have enjoyed a stellar maiden campaign at the Allianz since completing a blockbuster Bundesliga switch last summer, Vincent Kompany’s side are reportedly eyeing another Premier League swoop.
Caught Offside reported on Monday that Bayern have already initiated contact with Gordon’s representatives and the Newcastle ace is keen on linking up with Kane in Munich.
🚨💣 FC Bayern are seriously considering a move for Anthony #Gordon.
The 25 y/o is currently the preferred candidate for the left wing as a back-up and competitor for Luis Díaz.
Gordon has been informed. Concrete talks have already taken place, though the clubs are not yet in… pic.twitter.com/RULontsarV
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) April 13, 2026