Eddie Howe’s big dilemma is less than six weeks away. Deciding who makes his 25-man Premier League squad for the upcoming season will prove one of his toughest challenges as Newcastle United manager so far.
All 20 top-flight clubs must submit their squad for the upcoming campaign on September 2 - the day after the transfer window shuts. Admittedly, Howe’s job has been made easier by several surplus players being offloaded in recent weeks.
Dwight Gayle, Ciaran Clark and Jeff Hendrick joined Isaac Hayden and Freddie Woodman out the exit door - and others could follow. As it stands, 30 first-team players remain contracted and, with more arrivals expected, at least half a dozen will be omitted.
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Elliot Anderson does take up a place as those ages 21 or under are exempt from the ruling. Eight homegrown players must be selected but a strong British core means Newcastle should have no difficulties complying.
Between the sticks is a straightforward decision for Howe. Martin Durbavka, Nick Pope and Karl Darlow are experienced top-flight goalkeepers but the latter is wanted by Championship clubs. The only way fourth-choice stopper Mark Gillespie gets in is if Darlow is sold.
The Magpies are well-stacked in defence - meaning a high-profile player will be left out. At left-back, Matt Targett is a no-brainer but an unavoidable quandary sees Paul Dummett compete with Jamal Lewis.
Does Howe select the former - despite recent injury concerns - or try and coach Lewis into the player United thought they signed? A key side note is how Kieran Trippier and Javier Manquillo can also play at left-back, meaning he is unlikely to select all three.
Academy product Kelland Watts’ best chance of earning a place is by dethroning Federico Fernandez. The Argentine has been a bit-part player under Howe and he may opt for youth instead.
Midfield conjures up more headaches for Howe. Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, Jonjo Shelvey, Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff are guarantees, as are Ryan Fraser, Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin in the wide areas… but what about Matt Ritchie and Matty Longstaff?
Whichever player gets the nod, they will likely be left out should Newcastle add to their ranks. For now, Ritchie’s leadership in the dressing room - and status as one of Howe’s trusted lieutenants - sees him scrape in but do not be surprised to see the veteran sold before September 1. Jacob Murphy, too, is another who narrowly makes the cut due to his versatility.
The problem Howe has when selecting strikers is the scarce amount at his disposal. United have seldom lacked depth up front, with Callum Wilson and Chris Wood the only two recognised number nines.
Gayle’s move to Stoke City frees up a space and it is no secret the Magpies are looking to bolster their attacking options. Signing a top-quality forward before the deadline is a key priority on Tyneside.
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