Newcastle United now know their fate ahead of next season.
While the 4-2 win away at Brentford on the final day of the Premier League season teed up a potential European campaign, Newcastle will only have to focus on domestic matters next time around.
Indeed, Manchester United’s shock win over Manchester City in the FA Cup final means Eddie Howe and his side will have to go without European football next season.
Quite how that impacts transfer plans remains to be seen, of course.
Newcastle, after all, managed to land all of Kieran Trippier, Sven Botman, Bruno Guimaraes and Alexander Isak without European football being on offer.
Still, there is little doubt that not having continental competition to offer potential recruits could weaken the club’s hand when it comes to negotiating, too.
The extent of the issue will only be felt over time when it comes to potential incomings, though it could actually have a more immediate impact on outgoings.
In fact, Howe could reportedly now lose two players he wanted to keep, had Newcastle been in Europe.
Matt Ritchie and Paul Dummett could leave Newcastle United now
Both Matt Ritchie and Paul Dummett are out of contract this summer.
Earlier this week, Howe suggested that neither played during the tour of Australia so as not to risk any injuries, were they to become free agents as that would obviously impact their careers beyond Newcastle.
There were suggestions that the duo would be kept on if Newcastle made Europe and needed a bigger squad but, according to The Chronicle, Howe is unlikely to get his “initial wish” to keep them now.
An end of era is coming at Newcastle
Ritchie was a big presence during the Rafa Benitez years and even managed to score in the Premier League this season. Talked up for his impact behind the scenes by the likes of Anthony Gordon, his departure will be felt – even if its not on the pitch.
Dummett, meanwhile, is someone Howe wanted to keep and proved his worth against Manchester United earlier this season.
A product of the club’s academy, the ending of his Newcastle career would no doubt be emotional for Dummett.
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