Newcastle United notebook – Magpies must calculate the cost of missing out on Europe, a blow that could yet determine Eddie Howe’s wage budget
Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe(Image: Prime Video)
Newcastle United are taking a thorough look at contract renewals ahead of the 2026/27 season, with the threat of no European football looming large above St James’ Park.
Of course, hopes spring eternal this season with the Magpies still in the FA Cup and the Champions League, while a place in the Europa Conference League is also still possible via the Premier League. However, as games and points start to run out, Newcastle chiefs know they will need title-winning form to transform a bottom-half place into a European entry via the top-flight.
Indeed, Newcastle will need to win every single Premier League game to get to the same 66-point tally they earned last term. And given Brighton – who finished in the eighth place spot which could be enough for a Conference place this term – needed 61 points to achieve that position, there is little room for error for Eddie Howe’s men.
The Champions League has clocked up £56m for Newcastle this year so far in prize money with plenty of other benefits such as gate receipts, programme sales and club shop visits to boot, and even though the Europa League and Europa Conference League offer lesser rewards, they would still be vital as far as PSR rules are concerned.
It means Howe might be left sweating on certain contract renewals. The likes of Fabian Schar and Kieran Trippier are waiting for news on extended deals, while we understand Emil Krafth is preparing to say farewell.
Other squad men up for renewal are John Ruddy and Mark Gillespie. The next few months feel similar to two years ago when then CEO Darren Eales was forced to cut costs over a lack of European football.
Howe wanted to give Paul Dummett and Matt Ritchie extensions but the deals were pulled at the last minute. Back then Newcastle thought they’d banked a Europa Conference place after a 4-2 win over Brentford, but Man United’s shock FA Cup win over Man City denied them a spot in continental competition.
Tough calls may be on the cards again and in a week in which a 5% rise in season ticket prices came with a message from Toon supremo David Hopkinson on the cost of success, firm focus on results on the field could hold the key to what Howe has to play with in terms of budget. While talks are ongoing with Ross Wilson, decisions may be put on hold until the future is clearer.
Hopkinson told fans this week: “In the current financial landscape, we must balance affordability for our fans with the need to generate the revenue required to remain competitive. After this adjustment, our general admission ticket prices will remain competitive in terms of value against other Premier League clubs, and we will also be offering the second-lowest price for a standard adult season ticket in the league.
“I also want to be clear about how we spend our revenue. The ultimate aim is to reinvest it directly into the areas that matter most: building a successful team, enhancing your matchday experience, and strengthening the infrastructure that supports long‑term success.
“At the same time, we’re working hard behind the scenes to secure new commercial opportunities and operate more efficiently so we don’t place unnecessary pressure on supporters.”
Season ticket waiting list update
After news that season ticket prices will be rising by 5%, some fans discovered that they will get little change from a cool £1,000 for a standard seat this week.
The club also said they were getting their ducks in a row for a season ticket waiting list. In answer to questions on season ticket waiting lists, the club responded: “Not yet. We’re working with the Fan Advisory Board to finalise the criteria and process for our Season Ticket waiting list.
“Once everything’s agreed, we’ll share the details with you.”
William Osula improvement credited to Graeme Jones
Osula’s wonder goal grabbed the headlines this week after the Denmark Under-21 star stunned Man United. Earlier this week, the Toon star demanded extra training and wanted 10 balls to try to perfect the lung-busting run and finish that earned a 2-1 win.
Eddie Howe has been full of praise for Osula but also credited coach Graeme Jones with some work with the ex-Sheffiled United man. Howe said of the former North Shields and Doncaster star’s efforts: “Will is someone that always works on his game. He’s got a lot of areas to focus on and continue his development.
“He’s worked incredibly hard since he joined us, and Graeme Jones has done a lot of individual work with him. He has done really well since his injury because it was a frustrating one, a long time out and static where he couldn’t do too much with his ankle.
“He is confident again in his ankle and physically getting better.”
Newcastle get green light to boost scouting department
After Notebook confirmed this week, the Magpies have set up base camp in Brazil to ensure they are on top of the brightest young talents from South America. The club’s Academy are also hunting for scouts from London, the Republic of Ireland and the South West as they aim to leave no stone unturned.
In a further boost this week, Newcastle got the go-ahead to advertise for a Lead Recruitment Analyst to assist chief scout Steve Nickson and his staff.
An advert read: “You will manage the operational and analytical engine of the department—curating evidence, creating clarity, and delivering recommendations that align with the vision of the Head of Recruitment & Analysis and the Director of Women’s Football.”
Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings
Here at ChronicleLive, we are dedicated to bringing you the best Newcastle United coverage and analysis.
Make sure you don’t miss out on the latest NUFC news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.
You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day’s biggest stories.
And, finally, if you would rather listen to our expert analysis then make sure to check out our Everything is Black and White podcast. Our shows are available on all podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and you can also watch along on YouTube.