Newcastle United's impressive start to the current Premier League campaign has made the rest of the division sit up and take note. Eddie Howe's side are third at the time of writing and look on course for a European spot come the end of the season.
A key part in the Magpies turnaround from relegation favourites to a European contenders has been their astute work in recent the transfer windows. The days of deliberating over a loan move from a Premier League rival are gone, with PIF setting Howe's side on the right path.
However, despite all their new found riches, there is a chance for them to become even more financially astute in the summer, with a number of top-quality players out of contract at the end of the season. The Toon hierarchy may have the January window in sight, but will also have made a start on plans for next summer.
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Here are five players set to become free agents at the end of 2023, which could save Newcastle United millions.
Youri Tielemans
Newcastle United have been linked with a move for Leicester City's Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans last summer and those links have continued heading into January. However, the Magpies didn't make a bid for the Foxes deep-lying playmaker, unlike his team-mate James Maddison.
Tielemans' contract is set to expire in the summer of 2023 and Howe's side could do much worse than add the quality operator to the squad. Arsenal have also been linked with a move for the 25-year-old, who has played 135 games in the Premier League, he's made over 25 appearances in the Champions League and has national team experience with 58 caps for Belgium already.
If Newcastle do finish in the top-four this season, that may be key in any talks when it comes to recruitment next summer.
Leandro Trossard
Another player who could make a move to Tyneside next summer is Leandro Trossard. The Belgian forward is no stranger to working under Dan Ashworth, the Magpies Sporting Director was the man behind Trossard's move to the Amex.
Newcastle are reportedly monitoring the situation at Brighton, with a view to making an approach for the Belgian this summer. Howe and his recruitment staff could be tempted into making a move in January, with the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United also linked with the 28-year-old.
Wilfried Zaha
Another player who could bolster Newcastle's attacking options is Wilfried Zaha. The 30-year-old Ivorian is approaching the final few months of his deal with Crystal Palace and the general consensus is that he's outgrown the Eagles.
Unlike his first departure from Palace, a move to St. James' Park would bring a lot less pressure than Zaha's move to Manchester United. You would expect the forward to earn a considerable wage rise with a proposed move to Tyneside.
It could be one final chance for the forward to play European football as he approaches the twilight part of his career.
N'Golo Kante
Once dubbed the best defensive midfielder in world football, N'Golo Kante is set to become a free agent at Chelsea this summer. A Champions League, Premier League and World Cup winner, the Frenchman may not be at his once career best due to injuries, but he would bring a wealth of experience to St. James' Park.
At 31-years-old, Kante looks set for one last role of the dice to see if he can rediscover his best form. The midfielder has been linked with a move to Barcelona at the end of his current deal, but he's reportedly set for talks with Graham Potter to decide his future.
Roberto Firmino
Another Premier League and Champions League winner who will be out of contract this summer is Roberto Firminho. The Brazilian perhaps doesn't get the plaudits he deserves at Anfield and the arrival of Darwin Nunez has pushed the 31-year-old further down the pecking order.
Despite a lack of game-time, Firminho still pops up with moments of magic when called upon at Liverpool. The signing of Kieran Trippier has shown that the Magpies are no longer put off by a player in the latter part of his career.
Firminho could give Howe's side a different approach up top and add a vast amount of experience and quality to the squad.
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