Player 'most likely' to leave Newcastle in January and five ones to watch in 2026

As the January transfer window approaches, we'll all be hoping for a winter addition (or two) to boost the squad heading into the second half of a hectic 2025/26 season.

We've seen strong links to AZ Alkmaar's Kees Smit, a potential bid for a Brazilian talent this morning and suggestions that full-back cover is high on our priority list next month.

But who could depart in the New Year, whether that's to free up space in the squad or boost our position from a PSR perspective once again?

After covering potential incomings at the club and naming a few early targets, The Athletic's Chris Waugh have named Joe Willock as the 'most likely' player to depart in January.

Willock started in Saturday's 2-1 win over Burnley and did well in our Champions League defeat at Marseille, but he's out of contract in 18 months, has interest from Crystal Palace and could be sold in January to ensure we land a decent fee (while we still can) for the former Arsenal man.

Five ones to watch?

Then comes five others named in the piece as potential ones to watch in 2026 for varying reasons.

The first is Will Osula, who 'still appears destined to leave in 2026', writes Waugh. The 22-year-old nearly joined Frankfurt over the summer and clearly wants more first-team opportunities, although he will only be sold in January if Newcastle bring in another young forward.

Sven Botman could sign a new deal, with Ross Wilson confirming last week that talks are underway. However, The Athletic do state that Newcastle would have to reluctantly consider cashing in on the Dutchman IF contract talks did not progress, with the centre-back approaching the last 18 months of his deal.

Emil Krafth is out of contract in the summer and likely to depart, with Danish giants Copenhagen interested in a January deal, while decisions must be made soon on Kieran Trippier and Fabian Schar; two veteran defenders who are also nearing the last six months of their deal.

Elsewhere, the club will fight to keep a hold of Tino Livramento and Sandro Tonali, with PIF set to fight against any suggestions Newcastle are a 'selling club' after Alexander Isak's summer exit.