Newcastle United could be willing to sell a player who has starred for Eddie Howe since he arrived at the club in 2022.
Right now, all of the talk around Howe’s side is who they might sell, with the noise around Bruno Guimaraes and Alexander Isak not letting up.
Internally, the club are confident of keeping both, and have told Guimaraes that he won’t be sold once his release clause expires.
Similarly, there’s a strong reluctance to lose Isak, who will be offered a new long-term deal, a player the club want to build around for years to come.
This summer presents a new challenge for this Newcastle project, who haven’t really had their resolve tested when it comes to player sales.
But in no uncertain terms, Newcastle do not want to sell.
That being said, there are a number of players the club would entertain business for, the likes of Miguel Almiron and Callum Wilson, even if they are both still important in their own right.
But perhaps what is more surprising is Newcastle’s reported position on captain, Kieran Trippier.
Newcastle could consider Kieran Trippier sale if right offer arrives this summer
According to a squad audit conducted by The Athletic, Newcastle could sell Trippier if they received the right approach.
Newcastle rejected offers for Trippier from Bayern Munich in January, but may have to consider bids if they arrive this summer.
Despite being the flagship player of the club post-takeover, Trippier is now 33-years-old and endured a difficult end to season after returning from injury.
The club do need to raise some funds from player sales this summer, and therefore the right offer could be tempting.
Tino Livramento’s emergence could also play a role, who has consistently shown his quality when given a chance this season.
Alongside Lewis Hall, Newcastle always believed they had bought two future England internationals, and Trippier’s departure could accelerate that realisation.
Losing Trippier’s experience, quality and leadership would be a worry, but perhaps other members of the squad could step up.
Should the ‘incredible’ England international leave, Newcastle may then be forced to secure a replacement, unless they have adequate faith in Emil Krafth and Harrison Ashby.
All that being said, new data has just exposed a major Newcastle FFP issue going forward for the club.