MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 24: Newcastle United Head Coach Eddie Howe waves to the fans during the Global Football Week exhibition match between A-League All Stars Men and Newcastle United FC at Marvel Stadium on May 24, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Things are changing at Newcastle United.
After a gruelling season to have stretched Eddie Howe’s squad in almost every way imaginable, it’s clear that things needed freshening up.
Indeed, it remains to be seen whether or not Newcastle will be able to fully rebuild their squad amid lingering FFP restrictions but they’re certainly making space for potential recruits.
Paul Dummett and Matt Ritchie were among the senior players to have recently left St James’ Park as the club look to lighten up the wage bill before incoming transfers.
One other player who may depart is Ryan Fraser.
The Scotland international said he was “done” with the club after joining Southampton on loan and recently won promotion back to the Premier League with the Hampshire club.
As a result, Saints are expected to try and sign Fraser – who still has a year left on his Newcastle contract – on a permanent basis.
Ryan Fraser confirms he will be trying to leave Newcastle this summer
Asked about what happens next in terms of leaving Newcastle, Fraser told the Daily Echo he would be trying his “best” to secure a move away.
Specifically pushed on whether or not he will be a Saints player next season, the Scotland international replied: “I’ll try my best.”
Newcastle are making brilliant headway on their wage bill
The departures of Dummett and Ritchie alone are said to be saving the club around £100k-per-week.
Throw in Fraser’s reported wage of £70k-per-week potentially coming off the books too and things are looking very healthy indeed on the salary front.
It’s not been easy to shift players on during the PIF era but, at long last, it seems Newcastle are making some headway.
Whether Fraser commands a big transfer fee or not, getting those wages off the bill would be a huge boost.
