Newcastle followed with 62 goals scored and a solid defensive record of 47 goals conceded, translating to a healthy +15 goal difference and a commendable 68-point finish.
Newcastle United approaches the 2025–26 season with tactical clarity and a squad that is structurally solid, physically dominant, and tactically adaptable. Eddie Howe continues to fine-tune a team built on vertical power, relentless pressing, and a robust defensive foundation. The forward line keeps maturing.
We will during this season, as well, see a composed defensive unit and midfield with the likes of Dan Burn (37 apps, 3330 minutes) offering aerial dominance, Fabian Schär and Tino Livramento (combined 60+ apps) key players to backline resilience. In midfield, Bruno Guimarães logged 3286 minutes and has become more commanding in central zones, dictating tempo and shielding transitions. Sandro Tonali (2632 minutes) has added more physicality and vertical pressure in midfield since his return, enhancing Newcastle's control in central duels.
Alexander Isak (34 appearances, 2774 mins), so far still at Newcastle, in spite of persistent transfer rumours remains the team’s most technically gifted forward. Nick Pope (2530 minutes) has dropped to second-choice goalkeeper status, with Aaron Ramsdale (30 apps, 2700 minutes) arriving to assume the No. 1 role. Lewis Hall and Anthony Gordon provide consistent minutes in wide zones, supporting vertical thrust and transitional width.
The new signings, Anthony Elanga (Nottingham Forest), formerly of Nottingham Forest, joins the Magpies to add speed on the flanks. Antoñito Cordero (Granada), an emerging Spanish left winger, is expected to challenge for minutes. Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal), a high-profile acquisition from Arsenal, provides ball-playing distribution from the back and a strong presence in one-on-ones.
On the bench, Newcastle will still count on Harvey Barnes (33 appearances, 1756 mins) continues to be a central attacking threat when rotated into the XI. Joe Willock and Kieran Trippier provide experienced rotation options. Trippier (1310 mins) is often used to manage tempo or stabilise the defense during fixture congestion. Martin Dúbravka remains a competent backup, though Ramsdale’s arrival will likely push him down the pecking order.
Newcastle will persist with a high-energy 4-3-3 system out of possession, focused on pressing triggers and second-ball control. In possession, the shape morphs into a 3-4-3 or 4-2-3-1 depending on whether Burn stays wide or inverts, and how Tonali or Guimarães drop deeper to build. On the wings, Gordon and Elanga offer penetration, while Murphy and Barnes provide structured width. If Isak stays, he continues to be the flexible No. 9 who can drop and link, but should he leave, Newcastle may shift toward a more traditional target-forward dynamic.
Newcastle’s 2025–26 squad is well-drilled, defensively dominant, and has a midfield capable of overpowering opponents. However, the uncertainty around Isak’s future and the bedding-in of new wide threats like Elanga and Cordero could determine whether the team pushes into the top four or remains just outside the elite. With Ramsdale shoring up the goal and Tonali reinforcing midfield duels, the foundation is firm, now it’s a matter of consistent attacking output.
