Newcastle head into the 2026/27 Premier League season on the back of a turbulent summer during which the club lost their manager, captain, and several other key players.
This came on the back of a disappointing 2025/26 campaign, during which the Toon lost 17 times en route to finishing down in 12th, as they missed out on European qualification.
Following that setback, boss Eddie Howe decided to bring an end to his near five-year spell at St James’ Park. During his tenure, Howe transformed Newcastle into Champions League qualifiers and spearheaded the club to Carabao Cup glory, when he memorably ended a 70-year wait for another major domestic trophy.
Club captain Bruno Guimaraes is on the cusp of joining Arsenal, fellow midfielder Sandro Tonali has moved to Tottenham Hotspur, and Anthony Gordon has completed a switch to Barcelona. Three huge exits.
It will therefore be the job of new manager Matthias Jaissle to navigate Newcastle through this tough period, dealing with the fallout of high-profile departures while integrating new arrivals, gaining the trust of flummoxed fans, and establishing his own tactical identity.
Read on for all of the latest Newcastle stats to build up to the 2026/27 Premier League, plus the transfer business, manager and tactical information for the Toon.
Newcastle opening fixtures 2026/27 Premier League
Newcastle have a tough start at home to Liverpool. Alexander Isak will return to St James’ for the first time since his controversial exit last year. The former Toon favourite can expect an unpleasant reception back at his old stomping ground.
The Toon then make the trip down to the capital where they come up against a new-look Tottenham who snatched Tonali from their grasp during the summer. Bournemouth at St James’ Park, Leeds in Yorkshire, and a return home against new boys Hull City complete their opening five fixtures.
| Date | Opponent | Kick-off |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday 23rd August | Liverpool (H) | 4.30pm |
| Saturday 29th August | Tottenham (A) | 5.30pm |
| Saturday 5th September | Bournemouth (H) | 12:30pm |
| Monday 14th September | Leeds (A) | 8pm |
| Saturday 19th September | Hull (H) | 3pm |
Newcastle’s key players for 2026/27 Premier League
Newcastle top Premier League Golden Boot contender: Yoane Wissa
- Key stat: Yoane Wissa scored more goals (3) for DR Congo at World Cup 2026 than he did for Newcastle in the Premier League (1) last season.
There’s no escaping the fact that Yoane Wissa endured a tough debut season at Newcastle, registering just one goal in 19 Premier League appearances following his move from Brentford. The striker will, however, look to build on the three goals he scored for DR Congo at the World Cup as he aims to rediscover the Premier League form that earned him 19 goals for the Bees in 2024/25.
Newcastle primary playmaker: Bazoumana Toure
- Key stat: Bazoumana Toure accumulated nine assists in the Bundesliga last season, third behind Luis Diaz and Julian Ryerson.
Bazoumana Toure could prove to be an instant hit with the Newcastle fans. The winger enjoyed a terrific season at Hoffenheim, registering nine assists and scoring five goals in the Bundesliga. Only Luis Diaz and Julian Ryerson accumulated more assists in the league last season. Tour also made 112 attempted take-ons, created 45 chances, won possession 21 times in the attacking third, and completed 39 crosses.
Newcastle card magnet and top tackler: Joelinton
- Key stat: Joelinton has accumulated 46 yellow cards across the last five Premier League seasons, including 10 last term.
Joelinton will be more key for Newcastle than ever following the exit of his midfield partners Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali. Those two will leave gaping holes in the middle of the park which Newcastle will somehow need to fill. Known for his tough-tackling, Joelinton is no stranger to the referee’s book, having accumulated a club-high 10 yellow cards in the Premier League last season, which took his tally to 46 yellow cards in the last five seasons.
Newcastle rising star: Will Osula
- Key stat: Will Osula scored five goals in Newcastle’s final seven games of the 2025/26 season.
Newcastle have brought in a number of young new talents during this transfer window – more on them in the next section – but in Will Osula they have a player ready to build on a breakout 2025/26 season, where he scored five goals in his final seven games, having been used sparingly before that. While the 22-year-old may have work to do to force his way into Matthias Jaissle’s side in the initial stages of the season, he has the potential to become a key component of the Toon attack.
Newcastle 2026 summer transfers
Newcastle have had a hectic summer of transfer activity, which is far from over.
Supporters will be gutted at having the heart of their midfield ripped open following the exit of club captain Bruno Guimaraes to defending champions Arsenal and Sandro Tonali to Tottenham. England winger Anthony Gordon was another high-profile departure for Barcelona, while long-serving right-back Kieran Trippier left for Wolves after his contract expired.
Newcastle have primarily targeted young talents on the continent, including pacy winger Bazoumana Toure from Hoffenheim, and midfielders Sean Steur from Ajax and Aladji Bamba from Monaco. Goalkeepers Lukas Hornicek from Braga and Ewen Jaouen from Stade de Reims have also been added.
| Incomings | Outgoings |
|---|---|
| Lukas Hornicek (Braga) | Anthony Gordon (Barcelona) |
| Ewen Jaouen (Stade de Reims) | Sandro Tonali (Tottenham) |
| Sean Steur (Ajax) | Bruno Guimaraes (Arsenal) |
| Bazoumana Toure (Hoffenheim) | Kieran Trippier (Wolves) |
| Aladji Bamba (Monaco) | Matt Targett (Hull City) |
| Joe White (Crewe) | |
| John Ruddy | |
| Emil Krafth |
Newcastle tactical analysis and formation
Newcastle’s team stats (average per game in 2025/26 Premier League):
- Corners: 6.08
- Shots on target: 4.63
- Shots on target conceded: 4.42
- Offsides: 1.3
Newcastle will keenly feel the high-profile departures of multiple key personnel in the prime of their careers, notably in midfield. Joelinton, should he stay, is likely to feature in a midfield alongside Lewis Miley and new signing Aladji Bamba.
Joe Willock, Jacob Murphy, Jacob Ramsey, and new signing Sean Steur provide alternative options. Meanwhile, it’s going to be interesting to see what Matthias Jaissle does with Nick Woltemade.
Newcastle have pivoted to a transfer strategy of recruiting talented young prospects on the continent, meaning there will inevitably be a bedding in period for the likes of Bamba and Steur. But, with that said, fellow new face Bazoumana Toure could be a straight swap for Anthony Gordon on the left wing, with Anthony Elanga potentially on the right, and Yoane Wissa as striker.
In defence, Tino Livramento underwent surgery after suffering an injury while on England duty before the World Cup, although Newcastle hope he will return sooner rather than later. Malick Thiaw and Sven Botman are expected to continue their centre-back partnership. Lewis Hall likely to start at left-back despite ongoing speculation over his future.
New goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek could feature from the off after Newcastle spent £25m on the 24-year-old.
Newcastle manager analysis
Newcastle have turned to Matthias Jaissle as the successor to Eddie Howe. The German has been handed just two weeks to prepare his new side for the start of the 2026/27 Premier League season.
As with any managerial appointment, there are risks. At just 38 years old, Jaissle has never managed in one of Europe’s top five leagues and inherits a squad undergoing significant change. He will be tasked with stamping his mark on the club, rebuilding the team, and developing young players, all while attempting to fire Newcastle into contention for the European places.
Jassle is no stranger to winning trophies. The German enjoyed successive spells in charge of Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia and Red Bull Salzburg in Austria. He won back-to-back Austrian Bundesliga titles in his two seasons in charge, including a league and cup double. Jassle then moved to Al-Ahli where he won consecutive Asian Champions League trophies and the Saudi Super Cup.
| Manager | Team | P | W | D | L | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matthias Jaissle | Newcastle | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |