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Opinion

Newcastle United position on contracts continues to be a worry

4 years ago
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Newcastle United have any number of issues to deal with amidst the chaos of Mike Ashley’s ownership.

One of those issues is contracts.

Over the course of the entire close season, not a single Newcastle player signed up to an extended deal.

Whilst despite many media reports and Steve Bruce talking about contracts shortly to be agreed in recent months, we have only seen Martin Dubravka sign up to extend his stay.

We all know that Mike Ashley refuses to treat the football club as a long-term project, instead just looking to struggle on season after season.

Hence, no proper investment in the infrastructure, whether that be training complex, St James Park or the Academy.

On the contracts front as well, it all looks very short-term.

As it stands, 16 of the 26 players in the Newcastle United first team squad, aren’t contracted beyond June 2021.

On Sunday against Wolves, nine of the 18 man matchday squad aren’t contracted beyond June 2021 and three of the starters see their current deals end in June 2020.

Running down contracts (long-term financial commitments) could be seen as indicating making the club more attractive to potential buyers. However, none of us sadly are counting on that (a sale of the club) happening any time soon.

Whether it is a lack of professionalism in the way the club is run is of course a possibility.

Especially when you look at the situation whereby Newcastle have ended up paying Colback, Saivet and Sterry despite them not being to play for the first team. To not ensure they went out on at least a loan deal is ridiculous, at least if they are playing regular first team football elsewhere,it gives you more chance of moving them on in January.

As it stands, this is when the 26 first team squad players see their current deals end:

June 2020 Ki, Carroll, Willems, Fernandez, Manquillo, Elliot, Darlow, Matty Longstaff

June 2021 Clark, Schar, Shelvey, Ritchie, Gayle, Hayden, Yedlin, Atsu

June 2022 Dummett, Muto, Lejeune, Sean Longstaff

June 2023 Krafth

June 2024 Almiron

June 2025 Dubravka, Lascelles, Joelinton, Saint-Maximin

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