Newcastle United are preparing for a significant squad reset this summer, with several first-team and fringe players set to become free agents.

The club have been reviewing options way ahead of the transfer window, and it sounds like decisions around their out-of-contract players have now largely been made.

Chris Waugh reported in a Q&A for The Athletic that Newcastle are unlikely to retain any of their out-of-contract players this summer.

According to Waugh, Newcastle will prioritize younger players in key areas of the squad, mostly to push forward a much-needed refresh to an ageing squad while improving depth for next season and years to come.

“It looks that way, yes,” Waugh answered when asked if all expiring deals would not be renewed.

Kieran Trippier’s departure has already been confirmed, while John Ruddy is also expected to leave. Emil Krafth is set to follow after an injury-affected season, with uncertainty remaining only around Mark Gillespie’s situation.

Fabian Schar, perhaps the highest-profile player on an expiring deal, is also expected to depart.

“Fabian Schar’s time at Newcastle is expected to come to an end, too,” Waugh wrote. “The 34-year-old has been a magnificent servant, making 251 appearances since joining in 2018, but has been sidelined with an ankle injury since January. Newcastle are looking to bring in a younger centre-half replacement to challenge Malick Thiaw.“

In addition, it’s also been confirmed that goalie Aaron Ramsdale will return to Southampton after his loan is over, with Newcastle not planning to activate the option to make the move permanent.