As it stands, Newcastle United have an enormous squad ahead of the 2022-23 campaign. Eddie Howe must trim a colossal 33 men down to 25 by August - or risk having several unhappy campers around the training ground.
Include the likelihood of more summer signings and the Magpies boss’ dilemma becomes more troublesome. Offloading players has proven difficult for Newcastle since the season finished last month.
Only Isaac Hayden and Freddie Woodman have left, with the former joining Norwich City on loan after being culled from the 25-man Premier League squad in January. Preston North End ended Woodman's frustrating nine-year stint at the club for an undisclosed fee earlier a fortnight ago. Surplus players makes it tough to balance the wage sheet - a pivotal task for Toon chiefs as they aim to uphold Financial Fair Play regulations.