The January transfer window could be just as much about outgoings as it is incomings for Newcastle United.
As always, fans are excited by the prospect of someone joining the Newcastle United squad. There is scope for new arrivals, with new sporting director Ross Wilson preparing to oversee his first transfer window on Tyneside.
It has been reported that Newcastle want a centre-midfielder and a full-back, as they aim to give Eddie Howe even more depth. However, Dutch centre-midfielder Kees Smit is unlikely to join despite serious interest from the Magpies.
While Newcastle weigh up whether to target a different centre-midfielder, one of their current options in that department is at risk of being sold.
If not Kees Smit, which midfielder should Newcastle sign in January?
Joe Willock and Will Osula at risk of being sold by Newcastle United
As well as strengthening their squad, Newcastle could use the January transfer window as an opportunity to move on some of their fringe players.
Two players are at risk, with the i Paper reporting that Joe Willock and Will Osula are the two most likely players to leave St James’ Park at the start of 2026.
Both players have been linked with exits in recent weeks. It has been claimed that Crystal Palace want to sign Willock, while Osula is a target for Eintracht Frankfurt after failing to sign him on deadline day in the summer.
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Neither player is a regular at St James’ Park this season, with Osula currently out injured.
On Willock, his future is certainly an important topic given the fact his Newcastle United contract expires in 2027. He either needs to be offered an extension or cashed in on, with the latter feeling more likely.
Newcastle United can repeat 2025 PSR trick by selling Joe Willock and Will Osula
Exits for Willock and Osula would strengthen Newcastle United’s PSR position.
The Magpies would certainly make a profit on Osula, who has improved massively since his £10million arrival in 2024.
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Will Osula, keep or sell in January?
Should Newcastle cash in on the duo, it would represent a repeat of what they did in the 2025 January transfer window.
At the start of the year, the club opted to sell two players. Miguel Almiron was sold to Atlanta United, while Lloyd Kelly was loaned to Juventus with an obligation to make the deal permanent.
Those departures massively helped Newcastle’s financial situation, putting them in a position to spend more than £200million on new players this summer.
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