Newcastle United axed several high earners from the wage bill ahead of the 2021-22 campaign. Offloading five first-team players freed up coffers for the Magpies to re-sign Joe Willock for £25million.
Technically, Mike Ashley did not improve Steve Bruce’s squad last summer as the former Arsenal man starred for United on loan during the backend of the previous season. Culling Yoshinori Muto, Florian Lejeune, Christian Atsu, Andy Carroll and Henri Saivet from the squad did, however, free up space for the five January arrivals once the £300million takeover was completed.
Another exodus is expected on Tyneside as Eddie Howe attempts to pave the way for more big-money signings. Those left out of his 25-man squad are likely to leave while others will depart to pursue guaranteed first-team football.