Bristol City (a) Public sale now
Valencia (a) SOLD OUT
Bayer / Strasbourg (h) Public sale now
Spurs (a) ST applications open Mon 27.07, 2pm

Signing:
Another incoming?

Monaco midfielder Aladji Bamba is set to be Newcastle United's latest young signing, according to reports on Thursday morning.

The 20 year-old is said to be on Tyneside and undergoing a medical ahead of a £35m deal.

The France U20 defensive midfielder has made 18 Ligue 1 appearances (10 starts) and has featured in five Champions League games; starting against Club Brugge and PSG and joining from the bench against Real Madrid, Juventus and PSG.

Bamba's senior debut for Monaco was in August 2025. He hasn't found the back of the net yet at senior level for the Monegasques.

The Magpies were represented at several Monaco games last season, with the object of their interest reported to be Senegal midfielder Lamine Camara.

2026/27:
Squad numbers

The club have confirmed squad numbers for the 2026/27 season as follows:

1 Nick Pope
2 Tino Livramento
3 Lewis Hall
4 Sven Botman
5 Fabian Schär
7 Joelinton
9 Yoane Wissa
10 Will Osula
11 Harvey Barnes
12 Malick Thiaw
14 Sean Steur
17 Bazoumana Touré
19 Anthony Elanga
23 Jacob Murphy
24 Ewen Jaouen
27 Nick Woltemade
28 Joe Willock
29 Mark Gillespie
31 Aidan Harris
33 Dan Burn
37 Alex Murphy
39 Bruno Guimarães
41 Jacob Ramsey
51 Leo Shahar
62 Sean Neave
67 Lewis Miley

Obviously more will be added (or subtracted) following confirmed movements in the transfer market.

Aside from the previously-announced allocation of the number 14 shirt to Sean Steur, fellow new boy Bazoumana Toure plumped for 17 and Ewen Jaouen has taken 24.

William Osula is now listed as inheriting 10 from Anthony Gordon, Tino Livramento takes 2 from Kieran Trippier and Anthony Elanga moves to 19.

Elsewhere in the squad, Leo Shahar takes 51 and reserve goalkeeper Aidan Harris moves to 31.

2026/27:
Spurs (a) tickets

Application details for United's first PL away game:

ST applications open Mon 27.07.2026, 2pm
ST applications close Tue 28.07.2026, 2pm
Seat selections open Wed 29.07.2026, 2pm
Seat selections close Fri 31.07.2026, 2pm

Allocation: 3,038

PS: The Magpies have published ticket sale timetables for the following eight PL away games, with the proviso that they may change once fixture dates are confirmed - as it stands, none of those eight are 100% confirmed.

We'll continue to publicise the relevant details in time for applications to be made; just FYI, ST applications are forecast to open on Mon 10.08.2026 for Leeds (a).

Update:
KK: tributes continue

What has become a shrine to Kevin Keegan in the days since his death continues to grow outside the South West Corner of St.James' Park.

Manager Eddie Howe and members of his coaching staff laid floral tributes on Tuesday, with Jacob Murphy adding a Keegan 7 shirt. Former Magpies Shola Ameobi, Peter Beardsley, Lee Clark and Steve Harper have also visited.

Countless tributes have come from ex-Newcastle players and coaches, alongside an unprecedented level of response from football personalities, clubs and fans with no direct link to KK, other than an appreciation of his contribution to the game.

PS: Wor Flags are raising funds to stage a Keegan-themed tribute ahead of the season opener at home to Liverpool in August. Donations can be made online here

Update:
The King is dead

Following his own recent comments, news of Kevin Keegan's death comes as no surprise, but remains a shock of seismic, "remember where you were when you heard" magnitude. 

His arrival on Tyneside in 1982 not only filled the ground of a club that was dying of indifference, but gave it some desperately-needed legitimacy, some pride in the colours.

It's difficult to properly describe the enormity of someone like Keegan joining a Second Division side but it was massive. Then to see him, Chris Waddle and Peter Beardsley net 65 goals between them and gain promotion in his second season was phenomenal.

Anticipation turned to excitement and a return to the top flight, only for the rot to set in again prior to a second act almost a decade later, when the roof truly came off and dreams almost became the most memorable reality.

In the absence of the coveted silverware, what remains tangible are moments of high emotion from the debut goal versus QPR and four goals at Millmoor via his walkout and Milburn steps cameo to Howay 5-0 and Graham Fenton. 

The third coming of Keegan remains a regrettable episode for all concerned; his biggest victory coming in a courtroom rather than a football pitch - the legacy of which was a self-imposed exile from Gallowgate that he spoke of ending earlier this year, but tragically didn't get to enjoy.

It's as the inspirational captain and then ringmaster of the Entertainers that he'll be fondly recalled by generations of Geordies - along with countless individual moments; a handshake here, a photo or an autograph there, just a minute of his time but etched in the recipient's memory.

His passing severs another connection with football as it once was, coming just hours after the unpalatable circus where a World Cup Final should have been.

Love it? we certainly did. Farewell Special K.

PS - it still niggles us that the "Love it!" clip is always referred to as the time KK lost the mind games with Fergie.

It was arguably Kev's finest hour in response to some shameful utterances from the Manchester United boss after the Red Devils had just beaten Leeds 1-0 and thumped Forest 5-0.

It was actually a fantastic rallying call but it perhaps came a game too early - following our win at Elland Road but before the fateful 1-1 draw at the City Ground.

It's also worth recalling that far from throwing away the title that season through kamikaze defending, Newcastle only conceded two more goals than their rivals. It's also often forgotten that the Mancs collected an incredible 40 points from their final 15 games to win the league (plus six FA Cup wins on their way to a "double").

Latest:
KK RIP

Statement from the Keegan family, Monday:

"It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75.

The former England player and manager had been battling cancer and was surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments.

"Kevin, a double Ballon D'or winner, was a much loved husband, father and grandfather.

"The family would like to thank Kevin's incredible medical team for all their support.

This is a hugely difficult time and they are requesting space and privacy."

From Newcastle United, Monday:

"We are devastated to learn of the passing of Kevin Keegan, one of the most iconic, influential and deeply loved figures in our club’s history.

"Kevin was more than a legendary footballer and manager. He was the beating heart of Newcastle United for generations of supporters.

"As a player, he brought world-class talent, ambition and belief to St. James’ Park, helping to transform perceptions of what Newcastle United could be.

"As a manager, he ignited our city. Kevin gave supporters hope and pride, and led a team whose style, spirit and passion captured the imagination of football fans around the world. He was so much more than an Entertainer.

"Above all that, Kevin forged an extraordinary bond with Newcastle, built on the roots of his father, Joe. He understood our people. He embraced the North East with a passion that was genuine and unwavering, and in return, he earned his rightful place in the hearts of millions.

"Kevin’s impact will not be measured by appearances or results. It will live on in the memories he created with club and country, the dreams he inspired wherever he went, and the generations of supporters around the world who fell in love with football because of him.

"At this profoundly sad time, we send our love and deepest sympathy to Kevin’s wife Jean, his family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him.

"Today, we mourn the loss of a true giant of our history, and at the appropriate moment, we will carefully consider how we shape a lasting tribute to Kevin’s remarkable life and legacy.

"Rest in peace, King Kev."

From Eddie Howe:

"Like everyone connected with Newcastle United, I was devastated to hear the news that Kevin has passed away.

"On behalf of our players and staff, I want to send our love, strength and deepest condolences to Kevin’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.

"Kevin was an inspiration to me as a young player and, I’m honoured to say, a friend whose guidance and support meant a great deal in recent years.

"Long before I ever dreamed of becoming a manager, I was captivated by his Entertainers team. They played with courage, freedom and excitement. They made people fall in love not only with football, but with Newcastle United.

"Those teams reflected Kevin himself – passionate, positive, fearless and full of energy. That spirit remains part of this club’s identity today and will continue to push our players and staff and inspire generations to come.

"Kevin understood better than most the privilege and responsibility of leading Newcastle United. He was always willing to share his wisdom, offer encouragement and provide support, and I will always be grateful for that.

"For me personally, Kevin’s influence became even more meaningful when I arrived at Newcastle United as manager.

"He showed me incredible warmth and generosity. He had already given so much to this football club, yet he immediately made me feel welcome.

"Kevin understood better than most the privilege and responsibility of leading Newcastle United. He was always willing to share his wisdom, offer encouragement and provide support, and I will always be grateful for that.

"What struck me most was his humility. Despite everything he achieved in the game and his iconic status here, he never sought recognition. He simply wanted to help because he cared deeply about the club and the people within it.

"Every conversation with Kevin left you feeling better. He had remarkable warmth and humour and also a love for football that touched everyone around him. It is profoundly saddening that he is no longer with us.

"Kevin’s legacy will live on through this football club, its supporters and everyone he inspired.

"Thank you, Kevin, for everything. Rest in peace."

From Terry McDermott and his family:

"We are heartbroken by the loss of our dear friend, Kevin Keegan.

"Kevin was so much more than a team mate. He was a lifelong friend whose warmth, loyalty, humour and passion for football touched so many lives. The memories they shared, both on and off the pitch, will be treasured forever.

"Although Terry’s dementia means he is no longer able to express his feelings publicly, we know how much Kevin meant to him and how deeply this loss would have affected him.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Jean, Laura, Sarah and all of Kevin’s family at this incredibly sad time. We hope they find comfort in the love and respect being shown for Kevin by so many people.

"Kevin was one of football’s true greats, but to Terry he was, above all, a cherished friend.

"He will be greatly missed and never forgotten."

Update:
Bruno: radio silence

Over a week after interest from Bruno Guimaraes in leaving the club to join Arsenal was reported, there are no public developments over the status of Newcastle's captain. 

Claims of a verbal agreement over personal terms for the 28 year-old were made at the time, but are yet to be followed by any report of a confirmed bid.

Ending his World Cup participation on July 5th, it's believed that the Brazilian is due to begin pre-season training when United decamp to La Manga in the week leading up to the kickabout at Valencia on August 8th.

2026/27:
Tyne test

Newcastle's first public pre-season game sees them make the short trek to the International Stadium on Saturday, facing a Gateshead side now managed by Lee Cattermole.

It's a 12.30pm start with all ticket sales via GFC here

The National League hosts have played three warm-up fixtures so far, following up a 6-0 win at Blyth Town by drawing 1-1 at Heaton Stannington and 3-3 at Hebburn.

United's most recent senior fixture at Gateshead was back in July 2023; second half strikes from Elliot Anderson, Allan Saint-Maximin and Jay Turner-Cooke cancelling out a 2-0 interval lead for Mike Williamson's Tynesiders.

This game and the remainder of United's public pre-season programme are available as paid live streams from NUFC.

More details here 

Update:
Second string
striker secured

Newcastle have confirmed the signing of 19 year-old forward Afner Ca following his release by Spanish side Levante.

The Guinea-Bissau youth international spent last season playing for Levante's U19 side, having moved there from Portuguese club Amora last summer. 

A five year deal is claimed for Ca, whose recruitment is part of the club's attempts to boost their U21 side.

He's set to return to Spain when Robbie Stockdale's squad hold a training camp at Pinatar next month, following a public pre-season fixture at Spennymoor.

2026/27:
Home comforts

Newcastle  3  Darlington  0

Match report

Update:
UEFA publish NUFC settlement details

Following Newcastle's publicised breach of UEFA's own financial sustainability regulations, further details of the settlement reached are now in the public domain here

2026/27:
Bayer/Strasbourg (h)

Newcastle conclude their pre-season programme with kickabouts over successive days at SJP as follows:

Sat 15.08.2026 Bayer 04 Leverkusen (3pm)
Sun 16.08.2026 Strasbourg (4pm)

Games are billed as the VisitMalta Weekender 2026, with a kickabout between NUFC Women and Inter Milan at 1pm on Sunday before the Strasbourg men's game.

Tickets are on public sale now.

Prices:

Day 1 Bayer Leverkusen:
Premium: £30 adults, £15 concessions
Others: £25 adults, £12.50 concessions
Adult +concession combo: £60 (2 adults, 2 concessions)

Day 2 Inter Women / Strasbourg:
Premium: £30 adults, £15 concessions
Others: £25 adults, £12.50 concessions
Adult +concession combo: £60 (2 adults, 2 concessions)

Strasbourg have appointed Hugo Oliviera as head coach after Gary O'Neill left to manage Ipswich Town.

Portuguese-born, the 47 year-old is no stranger to SJP, having previously assisted Marco Silva when he was in charge of Fulham, Everton, Hull ​City and ​Watford.

The borrowers:
Loan lads


Antonio Cordero (Cadiz):
Our lad played the opening 45 minutes for the Spanish second tier side as they lost 0-1 to Leicester City in Algeciras on Wednesday.

Harrison Ashby (Luton Town):
A home debut is in prospect for Harrison this Sunday, when Dutch side Go Ahead Eagles head to Kenilworth Road.

Odysseas Vlachodimos (Seville):
Vlach was in the starting line-up for Sunday's 0-1 friendly loss to Cracovia Krakow in Poland. Although beginning in bright sunshine, a storm caused a 30 minute break in play during the second half.

Seville now stage a training camp in the Netherlands, with games at NEC Nijmegen on Friday and Utrecht on Sunday.

2026/27:
Kind of blue



Doing the rounds on social media are images of United's 2026/27 away shirt, on sale from Friday July 24th (the original launch date of Tuesday 21st was changed after news of Kevin Keegan's death reached SJP).

2026/27:
TV times

The Premier League have published their revised fixture schedule for live TV covering August and September, with Newcastle's opening four games all altered:

Sun 23.08.2026 Liverpool (h) 4.30pm Sky
Sat 29.08.2026 Spurs (a) 5.30pm Sky
Sat 05.09.2026 Bournemouth (h) 12.30pm TNT
Mon 14.09.2026 Leeds United (a) 8pm Sky*
Sat 19.09.2026 Hull City (h) 3pm no live UK TV

* if NUFC or LUFC are in the Carabao Cup Third Round and drawn against a club in the Champions League (Arsenal, Aston Villa, Liverpool, Manchester City or Manchester United), this game will be on Sat 12.09.2026 @ 12.30pm.

Assuming both sides survive the Second Round, a final decision on the PL game will rest on the Third Round draw, which takes place on or around Tue 25.08.2026.

The possible move is because Carabao Cup Third round ties are once again split over two weeks, the first clashing with Matchday 1 in the Champions League Group stage.

PS: Although trains are scheduled to run as usual between Newcastle and London on the day of the Spurs away game, Kings Cross station will be closed the following day.

U21s:
Moors v Mags

National League North side Spennymoor Town are to host Newcastle U21s in pre-season, with the Magpies visiting Brewery Field on Thursday July 30th at 7pm.

Admission for that game is £10 adults, £5 over 60s/U18s, with advance sales from STFC here or pay at the gate.

The game comes ahead of United U21s staging a training camp at the Pinatar Arena in Spain, after which Robbie Stockdale's side visit St. Mirren for a behind closed doors fixture on Wednesday August 12th at 12.30pm.

Update:
Squad updates

Senior players signed (3):
Ewen Jaouen, Sean Steur, Bazoumana Toure

Senior contracts extended (2):
Mark Gillespie, Fabian Schar (both to 2027)

Senior players sold (2):
Anthony Gordon (Barcelona), Sandro Tonali (Spurs)

Senior players loaned (3):
Harrison Ashby (Luton Town), Antonio Cordero (Cadiz), Odysseas Vlachodimos (Seville)

Professional contracts signed (6):
Sam Alabi, Guy Bloomer, Jake Durrant, Henry Johnson, Mason Miley, Kacey Wooster

Scholarship contracts signed (8):
Chukwudi Afumuzor, Theo Benjamin, Roman Dowell, Jayden Kouossu, George Mair, Leon Mukumbira, Alfie Seldon, Lesecond Yeutembip

Development squad players sold (2):
Travis Hernes (Groningen), Joe White (Crewe Alexandra
 

What Else?