OPINION
Newcastle are set to welcome back a whole batch of first-team stars to Tyneside on July 3 when they reconvene for pre-season training.
Tim Krul returns from AZ Alkmaar, while Siem de Jong has also spent time on loan in the Eredivisie with PSV Eindhoven. Freddie Woodman travels back south of the border following his time with Kilmarnock.
Forgotten men Emmanuel Riviere and Henri Saivet’s futures are in doubt in the north east, but they still remain Toon players and return to Newcastle after loans with La Liga side Osasuna and Ligue 1 side St. Etienne respectively.
Now, Benitez has a decision to make on the quintet following their loan spells away from the club, as they return to Newcastle early next month ahead of the 2017-18 campaign.
This Is Futbol ranks the five loanees’ chances of returning to Newcastle’s first team under Benitez next season, as the Toon look to keep the players that they believe will help them avoid relegation.