Newcastle United began their pre-season campaign with a 3-0 victory over Darlington at the KNOX on Saturday in a behind-closed-doors friendly. The win allowed head coach Eddie Howe to assess several players who have been linked with an exit from St James' Park this summer.
With the transfer window open until September 1, multiple stars who have been the subject of speculation were on hand to perform and give Howe reasons to retain them. Here, we examine three squad members who may still have a significant role to play on Tyneside.
Jacob Murphy
Chronicle Live was informed that Murphy's agent had been contacted over the summer regarding a potential move, with Everton interested in signing the long-serving winger. Murphy's output dipped in the 2025/26 season, managing four goals and five assists compared to nine goals and 14 assists in 2024/25.
However, his experience and tactical nous could still prove valuable to Howe, especially given the departure of senior figures like Kieran Trippier, Jamaal Lascelles, Sandro Tonali, and Anthony Gordon over the past year. Murphy began his season with an assist, delivering a cross in the 29th minute that Joe Willock converted to open the scoring. Everton may renew their interest, and incoming transfers could prompt a reshuffle, but for now, the former Norwich City man is focused on seizing his opportunity.
Joe Willock
The former Arsenal midfielder's preference is to remain on Tyneside despite links with Fulham in the last 12 months. Willock has just one year remaining on his contract, making him a potential sale candidate as Newcastle look to avoid losing him for free. He has previously stated that he has improved significantly under Howe, evolving from the player who scored seven goals in seven games.
Willock has overcome his injury issues, making 39 appearances last season to demonstrate his fitness. Against Darlington, he scored a goal and won a penalty. Still only 26, Willock sees the departure of Sandro Tonali as an opportunity to secure more playing time. At the end of last season, he said: "People are going to the World Cup, and some people are having a break. From there, have a break but full focus on coming back next season and coming back in the best possible way and look to next season." While a goal against Darlington is only a start, upcoming high-profile friendlies, including a match against Liverpool, will offer him a chance to audition for a starting spot.
William Osula
The Danish international's breakthrough at Newcastle late last season was a highlight of an otherwise difficult 2026. Osula scored one of the goals of the 2025/26 season with a superb solo effort against Manchester United, and added goals against Crystal Palace, Bournemouth, Brighton, and a double against West Ham, bringing his total to nine goals for the season.
He was linked with a £17.3 million move to Bayer Leverkusen last summer, but the Bundesliga club refused to agree to an obligation after an initial £4.3 million loan was arranged. That decision now appears to be a let-off for Newcastle, as Osula enjoyed a summer of rest and started pre-season strongly with a penalty goal against Darlington. With Anthony Gordon gone and Bruno Guimaraes' future uncertain, the penalty-taking role could be up for grabs, and the confident Osula is unlikely to shy away.
