The key issues and agendas to resolve at St James' in 2026

AS we head into a new year, there are fresh challenges for Newcastle United to attack.

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In 2025 the Magpies won their first domestic trophy for 70 years as well as sealing a return to the UEFA Champions League.

The challenge for the club is to build on that in 2026 and, despite a difficult start to their Premier League season, will hope a strong start to the new year can see them end the campaign with a flourish.

Newcastle also have the Carabao Cup semifinal against Manchester City, as well as the chance to move through to the Champions League knockout stages.

Off the pitch, new CEO David Hopkinson and sporting director Ross Wilson will look to make their mark, with some major decisions to be made in terms of transfers, contracts and infrastructure.

With all that in mind, The Journal has taken a look at the five key decisions the club will look to make in 2026.

STADIUM DECISION - TO STAY OR TO GO?

The major decision Newcastle fans want an answer on is the future of St James' Park and whether the current stadium will be expanded or the club will move to a new site on the grounds of Leazes Park.

A decision was initially expected in the first three months of 2025, that was then delayed until later in the year and we are still waiting for some clarity now.

Hopkinson said last month a decision was yet to be made.

"I want to be really clear on this. We literally have not taken a decision on what we're going to do," Hopkinson said.

"We're modelling a multitude of different scenarios. But even if we were to make a decision tomorrow, which we're not going to do, it still takes years of permits, planning, finance, construction etc. That's the case whatever we choose - reimagining St James' Park or building a new stadium.