Within days of the 2025/26 season coming to a close, Anthony Gordon left Newcastle United for Barcelona. The England international had been linked with a move away from St James’ Park for a number of weeks and so his departure wasn’t exactly a surprise, but it made a statement about the direction of the Magpies.
There could be more high-profile exits this summer. Arsenal is reportedly interested in Bruno Guimaraes while Sandro Tonali has been linked with Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. Newcastle United could lose many of its best players before the start of the 2026/27 campaign.
It wasn’t meant to be this way when a Saudi Arabia-backed consortium bought Newcastle United in October 2021. Most expected the change in ownership would send the Magpies to the top of English and European soccer in much the same way Qatar’s purchase propelled Paris Saint-Germain to new heights.
Newcastle has achieved some success under Saudi ownership. Indeed, the club has played in the Champions League in two of the last three seasons and ended its long wait for a major trophy by winning the Carabao Cup last year. There have been some good times over the last five years.
However, Newcastle finds itself at a critical juncture in its recent history. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has rolled back some of its sporting investments recently, most notably pulling its funding from LIV Golf. Some have speculated it could limit spending for Newcastle United too even if PIF remains involved in the club.
Missing out on European qualification has impacted Newcastle’s budget for the summer. Eddie Howe’s team could only muster a 12th place finish in the Premier League table, meaning Newcastle won’t be in next season’s Europa League or Conference League, never mind the Champions League.
The lack of European participation has likely pushed some of the club’s best players to explore a move away from St James’ Park. Gordon will challenge for titles and trophies at Barcelona. Guimaraes will do the same if a transfer to Premier League champions Arsenal materialises this summer.
Newcastle needs a reset. It must find some young talent to develop into first team figures ahead of a 2026/27 season in which Howe will be expected to deliver better results on the pitch. The Magpies could still become a force to be reckoned with in the Premier League, but this summer is shaping up to be a pivotal one.