Comings and goings...
As we tick towards the new season, here we look at the business the Steve Bruce has done in preparing his side fo the campaign ahead.
Having had one brief period during the height of the COVID break to register players who had come to the end of their contracts on what would have been the normal close of the season, the window opened fully on 27 July 2020. It will remain open for 10 weeks, until the 5 October, giving ample opportunity for all domestic and European competitions to be concluded and for deals to take place during this most unusual of Summer breaks.
One of Newcastle’s biggest coups may be in persuading Matty Longstaff to sign a new contract, with the club announcing on the 22nd September that the Geordie youngster had committed another 2 years to the club. Whist not the longest contract, indeed United will have to either sell or extend in around 11 months time, it at least provides some breathing space for the club and player to figure out their futures.
Fair assessment?!
In terms of permanent or loan transfers there will be no sign of Danny Rose or Valentino Lazaro in black and white next season. The former almost certainly not willing to spend another term at St James Park, whilst Lazaro’s move to Borussia Monchengladbach on loan was primarily down to his desire to get more game time than seemingly possible under Bruce.
TRANSFERS IN
Mark Gillespie
A 28 year old goalkeeper, formally with Motherwell, Gillespie has signed for his boyhood club on a three year contract.
Having started his career with United at their academy he left for Carlisle United aged just 16. Moves for Walsall, in 2017, and then Motherwell, a year later, followed.
Gillespie will be backup for first choice Martin Dubravka and second keeper Karl Darlow now that Rob Elliot has left the club.
Mark said, on joining the club: “Being a supporter all my life and to be released at 16 was disappointing, but I have gone away, worked hard, and now I’m back, and I can’t wait to make the most of an opportunity every Geordie would dream of”
Jeff Hendrick
Jeff joins from Burnley having turned down the opportunity to extend his stay at Turf Moor. Having played 24 times for the Premier League outfit, scoring twice, the Irish International is a welcome utility player in the United squad.
His arrival will be as a replacement for Nabil Bentaleb, who returns to his parent club FC Schalke after he failed to break into the first team on a regular basis.
Hendrick has played 54 times for his country and played 139 games for Dyche after joining from Derby in 2016.
Callum Wilson
Callum joined Newcastle from Bournemouth in a deal worth £20. The 28 year old signing a 4 year deal.
See full story HERE
Ryan Fraser
Ryan joined Newcastle on the same day as fellow Bournemouth teammate Callum Wilson. The player joined on a free transfer having left the south coast side in June after his contract expired.
See full story HERE
TRANSFERS OUT
Rob Elliot
Rob left the club after 9 years at St James Park.
Jack Colback
Jamie Sterry
Loan leavers: Rose, Bentaleb, Lazaro