Newcastle United slashed more than half a million pounds from their weekly wage bill on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, after six first-team players officially left the club at the end of their contracts. The departures mark the start of the 2026/27 season and a significant reset in the club's wage structure.
Six Players Depart Newcastle
The Magpies announced earlier this year that Kieran Trippier, Emil Krafth, Matt Targett, John Ruddy, Max Thompson, and Aaron Ramsdale (on loan from Southampton) would leave this summer. Their contracts expired on June 30, making them free agents as of July 1.
This mass exit follows the £69 million sale of Anthony Gordon to Barcelona, meaning Newcastle have removed seven contracts from their wage bill in total. According to historical salary data from Spotrac, Gordon was earning £150,000 per week, making him the club's second-highest earner behind Bruno Guimaraes.
Estimated Salary Savings
Using Spotrac's figures, Trippier was on £120,000 per week, as was Ramsdale, whose salary Newcastle covered during his loan spell. Matt Targett earned £60,000 per week, Emil Krafth £55,000, and John Ruddy £15,000. No figure was available for Max Thompson. Combined, these savings amount to approximately £520,000 per week in additional financial flexibility.
Further savings may come from additional sales. The club also announced the loan exit of goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos to Sevilla, though the portion of his salary covered by Sevilla remains undisclosed.
Reinvestment and Transfer Plans
Fans will hope the freed-up funds are reinvested into the squad, but Newcastle must remain mindful of the Premier League's new Squad Cost Ratio rules, especially after UEFA fined the club for breaching financial regulations. The Magpies have already signed goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen from Stade Reims and are targeting a goalkeeper, right-back, midfielder, winger, and potentially a forward this summer.
