Newcastle United's historic League Cup triumph last season ended a 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy—but the squad that made it happen is rapidly unraveling.

In a wild, champagne-soaked dressing room at Wembley, manager Eddie Howe delivered an emotional speech that still resonates with former striker Callum Wilson. "It was something the club hadn't achieved for a long time," Wilson recalled. "We had always strived to achieve it as a team." The 2-1 victory over Liverpool felt like the start of something special, especially after the team secured Champions League qualification just months later.

But in many ways, that glorious night marked the beginning of the end.

Alexander Isak, who spoke optimistically about "bright days in front of us," has since pushed for a British record £125m move to Liverpool in search of bigger prizes. Kieran Trippier—who set up Dan Burn's opening goal in the final—is moving on this summer as Newcastle looks to lower the squad's average age. Meanwhile, cup final starter Fabian Schar has entered the final weeks of his contract, creating ongoing uncertainty about his future.

Anthony Gordon, suspended for last season's showpiece, has attracted formal interest from Bayern Munich, though the clubs remain apart in their valuations. Even long-term futures of rising stars Tino Livramento and Sandro Tonali are now under question.

This Sunday's final home game at St James' Park could serve as a farewell for several influential figures. Evolution is natural in football, and it brings exciting possibilities—but for a Newcastle side currently languishing in 13th place, the breakup of their history-making squad feels bittersweet.