Aaron Stokes serves as Newcastle United Editor. A native of the north-east, Aaron moved from Newcastle to London in 2017 to work with Reach PLC’s national titles. After five years away, he returned and assumed his current position at The Chronicle in March 2022.

It may not immediately seem like it, but Newcastle United have actually lost a combined total of 446 Premier League appearances from their senior squad this summer.

Sean Longstaff, Martin Dubravka and Callum Wilson may not have featured heavily in recent league action but there is no doubt a huge amount of St James’ Park knowledge and experience has departed Eddie Howe’s squad over the past few months.

It marks a tactical shift from Howe, who in previous years has avoided sweeping exits during a single window, instead favouring a measured and gradual rebuild of his Newcastle side since taking charge almost four years ago.

Players such as Jamaal Lascelles, Matt Targett, Mark Gillespie, Emil Krafth and John Ruddy might also have been moved on given limited game time, yet they remain, continuing to contribute off the pitch while stepping in for the senior team when necessary.

On the arrivals front, despite a challenging summer, United have organised themselves well by securing reliable and experienced signings in recent weeks.

Anthony Elanga is set to strengthen Newcastle’s forward line, Aaron Ramsdale adds competition for Nick Pope, Malick Thiaw represents a long-term defensive target admired by Howe, and Jacob Ramsey delivers versatility and quality in an important area.

As a result, the general sense on Tyne side is that United are closing in on a very strong summer, with Howe convinced this is the right moment to add a wave of new faces to his Newcastle project.

“Yeah, we’re certainly going to miss the players you mentioned [Wilson, Longstaff and Dubravka],” he told the media on Friday.

“I mean, it’s unfortunate I haven’t been able to speak about them more fully. Exceptional people, exceptional players who gave everything to the club. They depart with our utmost respect.

“All of them played huge parts in the progress we’ve made over the last three and a half years and even before I arrived. They have all left proudly and we truly wish them success in the next stage of their careers.

“For us, we’ll miss their knowledge, we’ll miss their service, but it’s then about bringing in new signings. To see how fresh arrivals can shape their careers here and what they can contribute to the team – change is simply a natural part of football.

“It has to happen. I’ve said many times sitting here with PSR that we couldn’t recruit and therefore became somewhat stagnant, and fresh legs and new motivation is sometimes exactly what a football team requires to progress.”