Newcastle United have announced Bayer Leverkusen as one of their opponents for the usual friendly double header at St James’ Park.
Eddie Howe splitting his squad and playing friendlies on consecutive days, the weekend before the new Premier League season kicks off.
This summer sees Newcastle United play Liverpool on Sunday 23 August at St James’ Park in their first EPL match of the season.
Now on Thursday (2 July 2026), Newcastle United giving out the first information on what will happen on the final weekend before the proper matches kick off.
The club announcing: ‘Newcastle United will welcome European opposition to Tyneside this summer as St. James’ Park hosts the ‘VisitMalta Weekender 2026’. The two-day festival of football is scheduled for 15-16 August, giving the men’s and women’s squads a chance to intensify pre-season preparations in front of a home support.’
Newcastle United going on to say: ‘All matches across an action-packed weekend will be contested for VisitMalta Cup trophies, raising the stakes for the Magpies’ return to St. James’ Park ahead of the 2026/27 campaign. Eddie Howe’s side kick off the Weekender with a matchup against German Bundesliga giants Bayer 04 Leverkusen at 3pm on Saturday 15 August, ahead of a Sunday double-header.’
The opponents for Eddie Howe’s players on the Sunday are yet to be revealed.
Newcastle United stating: ‘ Tanya Oxtoby’s Magpies will get the action back under way with a women’s VisitMalta Cup clash, before the men’s squad return to the pitch later in the afternoon on Sunday 16 August. Opponents for the Sunday double-header will be announced later this month.’
The official club release ending with:
‘VisitMalta Weekender 2026′ schedule’
Saturday 15 August, 3.00pm (BST): Newcastle United v Bayer 04 Leverkusen
Sunday 16 August: Further fixture announcements coming soon
1.00pm (BST): Newcastle United Women
4.00pm (BST): Newcastle United
Matchday and ticket information – The full fixture lineup, alongside ticket information, will be made available on the club’s official channels in the near future,’