Newcastle United have announced two high profile home friendlies against top notch European opponents.
The Magpies will take on Serie A side Atlanta - who have finished in the top three in Italy in three of the last four years - and Athletic Bilbao of La Liga, who win the Spanish Super Cup in 2021. The games will be played over two days with Eddie Howe set to rotate his squad in late July.
Howe was keen to attract quality opponents and he has landed two crack European sides to warm up for the Premier League season.
A United statement read: "The Magpies will host a double-header against European opposition at St. James’ Park a week before the season gets under way, firstly taking on Italian club Atalanta on Friday 29th July (7:45pm) before welcoming Spanish side Athletic Bilbao on Saturday 30th July (time TBC).
"It is expected that head coach Eddie Howe will split his first team squad across the two fixtures.
"Both clubs finished eighth in their respective domestic leagues last season, with Atalanta also reaching the last eight of the UEFA Europa League after being eliminated from the Champions League during the group stage.
"Known formally as Athletic Club, Basque-based Bilbao also came close to cup success during the 2021/22 campaign but lost to Real Madrid in the Supercopa de España final after previously lifting the trophy last year."
Ticket information and additional pre-season fixtures will be confirmed in due course.
