Espanyol (h) Public sale now
Atletico Madrid (h) SOLD OUT
Aston Villa (a) details awaited
Liverpool (h) Member ballot Mon 21.07 @ Noon

2025/26:
Hoops run rings
round Magpies

Celtic  4  Newcastle  0

Newcastle's public pre-season got off to a sticky start at Celtic Park, as the reigning SPL champions put four past United to claim the Adidas Cup on Saturday afternoon.

There wasn't much to shout about for the 10,000 visiting fans as the hosts took full advantage of their more advanced preparations and a howler from Nick Pope.

United were already trailing to a 28th minute penalty conceded by Joe Willock and converted by Arne Engels, when a long ball forward by Kasper Schmeichel was completely missed by Pope and slotted into the empty net by Johnny Kenny just before half-time.

Howe made nine changes at the break and Joe White went close before Celtic broke forward and Yang Hyun-Jun converted past Martin Dubravka which prompted no fewer than ten changes by Brendan Rogers.

The fourth came in the 75th minute when Liam Scales headed home a cross from Kieran Tierney and thankfully that concluded the scoring.

Sean Neave came closest for the Magpies in the 91st minute but his close range header was saved by Viljami Sinisalo.

Schmeichel had denied William Osula in the first half when he tipped over a deflected shot from the Danish forward.

A miserable afternoon then for Howe - who was offered the Celtic job before joining Newcastle - ahead of the trip to the far east to play Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.

The Magpies looked ragged and disjointed although the two Anthonys - Gordon and Elanga - provided some rare moments of promise in the second half.

Joelinton attended but wasn't involved while Alexander Isak wasn't present. The club said of the pair that their pre-season minutes on the pitch were being managed.

Lewis Hall continues to work on his fitness while fellow full back Tino Livramento was granted additional time off following his England U21 duty.

Full match report to follow.

Team: Pope (Dubravka 46), Trippier (Krafth 46), Schar (Lascelles 46), Botman (Burn 46), Targett (A.Murphy 46), Guimaraes (White 46), Willock (Tonali 46), Miley (Hernes 76), J.Murphy (Elanga 46), Osula (Neave 76), Barnes (Gordon 46).
Subs n/u: Ruddy, Ashby, Munda.

Booked: Burn.

The Magpies debuted their new blue third kit. 

CFC: Schmeichel (Sinisalo 62), Ralston (McPherson 62), Murray (Donovan 62), Trusty (Scales 62), Inamura (Tierney 56), McCowan (Bernado 62), McGregor (Forrest 62), Engels (Nygren 62), Yang (Tilio 62), Kenny (Idah 62), Maeda (Hatate 62).
Subs n/u: Clarke, Doohan, Montgomery, Osmand, Summers, Ure.

Booked: Trusty.

Goals: Engels 28 (pen), Kenny 45, Yang Hyun-Jun 52, Scales 75.

Brendan Rodgers saw his side play their fifth pre-season game, following up a 2-0 success against Sporting Lisbon in the Algarve on Wednesday.

Crowd: Approximately 45,000 (Sky Sports optimistically reported 55,000).

The Magpies sold their full allocation of 10,000 places housed in both the usual away corner plus upper and lower sections of the Lisbon Lions Stand behind one goal.

Prospective signing Park Seung-Soo was reportedly in attendance at Parkhead. The 18 year-old winger is set to join United imminently from Korean side Suwon Bluewings. 

After the game Eddie Howe said:

"I think pre-season is pre-season and there's no points at stake.

"So as much as we want to play well and win, of course, that's the preferred route that you take. Sometimes you get on the end of these results and scorelines and you can use it for a positive.

"And I think we have to be ready for Aston Villa and that's the only thing in my mind.

"This game will help us get there quicker. Certainly a lot to work on, but we've covered a lot already and there were some good bits in there despite the scoreline.

"We take a load from that. That was a really good test for us.

"I think the pre-season is designed to really stretch us. This was a test that maybe came a little bit too early for us. We have had a long week in Austria. Not making excuses, by the way, but the lads came into the game jaded, slightly, but it was a great workout for us.

"I think Celtic played very well. I thought we played well in phases of the game. I thought we created a lot of chances. We should have scored a couple of goals.

"Overall, I think the team would be better for the game.

"I think they (Celtic) are way ahead of us fitness-wise. I think that’s a very useful lesson for us to learn because we usually do that to other teams. 

"The power of our fitness usually shows through in our performance. Against Celtic, it was the other way around. You could tell we were on the receiving end a little bit.

"We were reactive rather than proactive, and that cost us. The goals that we conceded were naturally the poorest aspect of our performance.

"Other than that, I don’t think they had, other than four goals (chuckles), it wasn’t a game where we were consistently under pressure. We more than held our own."

On the absent Alexander Isak:

"The last thing Alex (Isak) wants if he is not playing is to be sat in the stand, being under that scrutiny.  

"I don’t think that’s fair to the player, so if he wasn’t going to play today, which we agreed, which we mutually agreed that he needs a little bit more training time, then it’s best he’s not here.

"For any player that (the speculation) is not an easy thing to deal with. It’s not an easy thing to understand when you’re fielding, no doubt from his perspective, phone calls, text messages, players and people asking him because the media now is so strong and the media message goes far and wide and that scrutiny in part, that’s 10% of the reason why he wasn’t here today.

"I just want him to focus on himself and his training ready for next week.

"I think it’s difficult for me to ever give 100% clarity on any player. I’d never do that because it’s football and you never know what could happen. All I can say is that Alex is happy at Newcastle. He loves the players that he plays with, the staff and the team. 

"I’ve never had any issue with him, other than really enjoying seeing his talent and seeing him express himself. 

Certainly, I’m confident that he’s going to be here at the start of the season.”

Asked if the desire to keep Isak was as strong right the way through the club: 

"Absolutely, yeah, absolutely. There is no one who feels any differently. From board to staff to players. We value his qualities, as a person, so it’s very strong.

“We have a few of those players who are irreplaceable because they’re so hard to find, to recruit and to develop. 

"We recognise Alex’s talent and ability and we’re desperate to keep him.

"I have conversations with I’d say 100% of the players and their futures. I’m very very communicative with them, so whether that’s at the end of the season, whether that’s during pre-season so yes, I’ve had discussions with him but that’s not abnormal.

"I respect a player’s career and how short it is. All the time I will be communicating my desires and wishes to them and what I see and try to help them.

"Alex has been really good, he’s trained really well so far this season so I know there will be lots of noise round it and I can’t really control that but from inside he’s been really good.”

On whether Isak will travel to Asia next week:

"Yeah, absolutely. He's part of our squad. At this moment in time, I expect him to come.

"We love him as a player and a person and want him to stay - and that is right through the club. He's an outstanding talent and a player we cherish."

On transfers:

"It's been a really frustrating summer. We've been very close to signing several players and for different reasons - there's not one theme why we haven't signed more - we've ended up missing out on a few who would have made a difference.

"The one most important factor in any transfer is the player has to want to come to Newcastle. We're a very proud club and are proud of what we do... any player has to feel that. If they don't... I don't think it's a healthy transfer.

"I'd say I'm hopeful rather than confident because we're not in control of the market or agents, players and other clubs. I can assure everybody we are 100% on it and trying to do things quickly."

Referee: Nick Walsh.

VAR: n/a

Stats:  

Former Newcastle and Celtic captain Roy Aitken presented the Adidas Trophy to Callum McGregor.

Hoops v Magpies - last 10:

2025/26 lost 0-4 (a)
2007/08 won 4-1 (h) Luque 2, Martins, Milner
2005/06 won 3-2 (h) Luque, OG, Shearer
2004/05 lost 1-2 (a) Bellamy
1999/00 lost 0-2 (a) 
1995/96 drew 1-1 (a) Ferdinand
1967/68 won 3-2 (a) Davies, Scott, T.Robson
1967/68 won 1-0 (h) Scott
1952/53 won 2-0 (h) Robledo 2
1951/52 drew 3-3 (a) Robledo 2, Taylor

2025/26:
Singapore / South Korea

Next up for Newcastle is a three game Asian tour, playing one game in Singapore followed by two in South Korea.

The club have published travel advice for those attending these games, which can be read online here



Sun 27.07.2025 Arsenal (n) 
(at the 55,000 capacity Singapore National Stadium)

(Live streaming details for this and the remainder of the pre-season fixtures is in the news piece below).

United will then contest the annual Coupang Play Series against a local XI and fellow Premier League side Spurs.



Wed 30.07.2025 Team K League (South Korea) (a)
(at the 42,000 capacity Suwon World Cup Stadium)



Sun 03.08.2025 Spurs (n)
(at the 65,000 capacity Seoul World Cup Stadium)

Those two venues are around 25 miles from each other.

Eddie Howe's side then return to Tyneside for kickabouts against Spanish opposition on successive days:

Fri 08.08.2025 Espanyol (h) (Spain) (h) 7.30pm
Sat 09.08.2025 Atletico Madrid (Spain) (h) 4pm

NUFC have made their public pre-season games available to watch via the club's official website and app.

Pricing for the full package is as follows:

Mags+: £9.99
Mags/Junior Mags: £19.99
Non-members: £29.99
Match Pass: £4.99 or £6.99 per game (varies)

Purchase online here

Mags+ and Mags members were emailed a promo code to access the above prices. Mags+ members not purchasing the full package will receive promo codes allowing them to watch the two South Korea games for free.

All streams are worldwide except Arsenal excludes Singapore, K-League and Spurs excludes South Korea, Espanyol and Atletico Madrid excludes Spain.

(The full package includes all six first team games in addition to live coverage of the NUFC Women versus Atletico Madrid Femenino home friendly).

Departure:
Away the lad

2025/26:
Renumbering

RGR:
Home Geordie Home

Update:
Wyn Davies RIP

We're desperately sorry to report that former Newcastle centre forward Wyn Davies died on Wednesday at the age of 83.

The man known as the "Mighty Wyn" is forever associated with United's Fairs Cup adventures, helping secure trophy success in 1969 and scoring ten goals across the club's three seasons of participation.

Wyn's early playing career came as a part-timer with the Deiniiolen and Llanberis clubs, while working as a slate miner. 

Joining Caernarfon Town, Davies then signed for Wrexham in 1960. A £20,000 move to Bolton Wanderers followed two years later and the first of 34 full Welsh caps came in 1964 - against England at Wembley Stadium.

Having proved a dangerous opponent in games against the Trotters, Joe Harvey convinced Davies to join Newcastle in October 1966, his £80,000 fee an NUFC club record.

(It later transpired that United had failed to complete a deal 12 months earlier when wage demands couldn't be met).

Making his bow in a 0-3 home derby defeat that month, it took Wyn five games to get off the mark, doing so in a 3-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday at Gallowgate.

And the following January saw him plunder his only treble in our colours, in an FA Cup tie against Coventry City at Highfield Road.

The following season saw Wyn improve his scoring prowess as United rose from a perilous 20th place finish to 10th - and ended up with a Fairs Cup place.

His aerial prowess saw 1968's Manfred Mann cover of Bob Dylan's "Mighty Quinn" re-worded by the Leazes End into "Mighty Wyn."

The 1970/71 season was Wyn's last as a Magpie: netting against Inter Milan both home and away but scoring just twice in the league as injuries took their toll.

Amid interest from Birmingham City and Sheffield Wednesday, the 29 year-old joined Manchester City that summer for £60,000.

Just a year later though he was sold on to Manchester United, having previously turned down a move to Old Trafford in order to join Newcastle.

Later spells with Blackpool, Stockport County and Crewe Alexandra followed before a knee problem curtailed Wyn's career.

His time on Tyneside between 1966 and 1971 brought 53 goals in 216 appearances. Internationally, he scored six time for Wales and won 34 caps in a decade from 1963.

Playing his final games for Bangor City in 1979, Davies later famously became a baker for Warburtons in Bolton and remained in the North West following his retirement.

2018 saw a plaque unveiled outside his childhood home in Caernarfon, Wyn commenting that day; "Newcastle was the best club I played for. Humble people and fanatical."

Update:
Striker search resumes

Having dropped out of the running for Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike - at least in public - Newcastle have found themselves credited with interest in two further forwards.

Brentford's DR Congo international Yoane Wissa was linked to both the Magpies and Spurs earlier this summer and is under contract until 2026 with a further 12 month option. Spurs are now managed by his ex-boss Thomas Frank.

Turning 29 this September, Wissa has 45 Premier League goals to his name since arriving from Lorient in 2021. That total includes 19 last season and he's netted against United in our last two visits to West London. 

He's set to be absent for at least six Premier League games in December and January, assuming that he's selected to play for DR Congo at the African Cup of Nations Finals.

Elsewhere, the name of Benjamin Sesko has also cropped up again following reports that United scouts had watched the RB Leipzig forward back in March. 

Now 22, the Slovenian international was linked with a host of Premier League clubs in 2024 but chose to extend his current deal until 2029. He's rated at over £70m.

Sesko has scored 27 goals in 70 Bundesliga appearances over the last two seasons since arriving from RB Salzburg.

2025/26:
PL TV delay continues

The Premier League are still to publish live TV alterations for the month of September, meaning that the following trio of Newcastle games remain tbc:

Sat 13.09.2025 tbc Wolves (h)
Sat 20.09.2025 tbc Bournemouth (a)
Sat 27.09.2025 tbc Arsenal (h)

The scheduling of those games will be influenced by when European club fixtures are played, meaning that some or all of them will come with either/or caveats.

Update:
Isak, Ekitike etc.

Latest: The Mail reported on Thursday that Newcastle had ended their interest in Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike. It remains to be seen whether Liverpool follow up their alleged interest in the striker with a firm bid.

Earlier: after another day of media claims regarding Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike, it appears that:

Newcastle made a club record bid for Ekitike that Eintracht Frankfurt rejected. It's claimed that a second bid has gone in, the size and current status of that isn't known.

Liverpool are said to have contacted Frankfurt over the same player, but it's unclear whether they have actually placed a bid or the contact was with his agent only.

Liverpool are said to have contacted Newcastle over Isak, but don't appear to have actually placed what would be a Premier League record bid. It appears that following contact with Liverpool, Isak's agent met with Eddie Howe earlier this month. It's disputed whether Isak himself favours remaining at Gallowgate or moving to Anfield. 

There have been no updates on whether discussions over an extension to Isak's current deal that expires in 2028 began, are ongoing or have ended without a resolution.

2025/26:
Cumbrians beaten 

Newcastle  4  Carlisle United  0

Match report

Unlikely lads:
Movement

Tracking transfers involving ex-Magpie reserves, the fate of this midfield quartet are worth a mention: 

Beginning with Lucas De Bolle, whose decision to quit South Shields midway through last season and move to Portugal has paid dividends.

The 22 year-old joined Portimonense and after impressing for their U23 side has agreed a three year deal with the second-tier side based in the Algarve city of Portimao. Appropriately, they play in black and white shirts.

One of De Bolle's former South Shields colleagues has also found a new club, Mackenzie Heaney signing for fellow National League North outfit Spennymoor Town.

Into the National League meanwhile and following his exit from Gateshead after an injury-hit 2024/25 season, Greg Olley has put pen to paper with rivals York City.

Finally, the nomadic career of Kyle Scott has brought him back to his native England after a spell in the USA.

Now 27, Scott has left USL side Orange County in order to sign for League Two Crawley Town. 

2025/26:
Magpies learn National League Cup opposition 

Groups for this season's 32 team National League Cup have been announced, with Newcastle U21s paired with three of last season's four opponents, namely Boston United, Gateshead and FC Halifax Town.

The only new group stage opponents will be Scunthorpe United rather than Tamworth, with Group D completed by the U21s of Leeds United, Boro and the mackems.

As was the case last season, the U21 sides each play all four National League clubs away from home but don't meet each other, with the top two teams in each of the four groups advancing to the knockout stages.

Fixtures:

G1: w/c Mon 11.08.2025 Gateshead (a)
G2: w/c Mon 15.09.2025 Halifax Town (a)
G3: w/c Mon 20.10.2025 Boston Utd (a)
G4: w/c Mon 24.11.2025 Scunthorpe Utd (a)

Six National League sides turned down a place in this season's competition; Altrincham, Carlisle United, Eastleigh, Hartlepool United, Yeovil Town and York City.

The Magpies exited at the knockout stage last season on penalties at Altrincham.

Old boys:
Comings & goings 

SJP old boys with new clubs/jobs include:

Tom Allan Darlington
Kieran Aplin Whitley Bay
Alun Armstrong Gateshead M
Jean-Alain Boumsong Auxerre C
Mark Boyd Carlisle City AM
Kyle Cameron Bromley
Nathan Carlyon Blyth Town
Andy Carroll Dagenham & Redbridge
Lewis Cass Harrogate Town
Stephen Clemence Blackpool C
Lucas De Bolle Portimonense
Nicky Deverdics Newton Aycliffe
Stuart Findlay Hearts
Stan Flaherty Hampton & Richmond
Massadio Haidara Kocealispor
Mackenzie Heaney Spennymoor Town
Sean Longstaff Leeds United
Oisin McEntee Hearts
Joe Oliver Hebburn Town
Greg Olley York City
John Robertson Ross County AM
Salomon Rondon Real Oviedo (loan)
Josh Scott Darlington
Kyle Scott Crawley Town
Jonjo Shelvey training with Hull City tbc
Freddie Woodman Liverpool
Mike Williamson Rangers C
Callum Williams FC Hartlepool
Josef Yarney Macclesfield Town