Leeds United clues to Newcastle United silence on pre-season arrangements – Very possible | OneFootball

An interesting one, as Leeds United could have now given an insight into the Newcastle United silence on pre-season arrangements.

Or at least explain part of that silence.

An official announcement (see below) from Leeds United on Tuesday to their own fans, explaining that their trip to Germany will see friendlies played behind closed doors.

As things stand, Newcastle United have only announced two friendlies in Japan before the season kicks off.

By this point in summer 2023, Newcastle United fans had details of all the pre-season friendlies away from St James’ Park and indeed, that had been the case for a couple of weeks.

Anyway, there has been widespread speculation that Newcastle United are set to visit Germany this summer.

This is claimed to be linked to the new Adidas kit deal, with NUFC seemingly set to play one or more friendlies if/when visiting Germany.

Leeds United official announcement – 25 June 2024:

Leeds United can confirm the club will travel to Germany for a pre-season training camp ahead of the 2024/25 season.

Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond control of the club, we have recently been informed that any friendly matches played in Germany have been ordered to take place behind closed doors.

We understand that supporters will be frustrated at this news, as we are equally as a club. We have explored all avenues, however, it has not been possible to overturn this decision.

As always, we would like to thank you for your commitment and dedication, but in light of the above, we kindly ask supporters expecting to see Leeds United in pre-season training or matches, not to travel to Germany.

The club are currently in discussions with relevant parties about potentially streaming any matches and we will communicate further information on this when a final decision has been made.

Therefore, there will be just two pre-season friendlies which supporters are able to attend. The Whites will play Harrogate Town at the Exercise Stadium on Friday 19th July (7:30pm) and Valencia CF at Elland Road on Saturday 3rd August (3pm). Ticket details for our match with Valencia will be announced in due course.’

As to exactly why pre-season friendlies in Germany this summer are apparently set to have no fans in attendance…

The Athletic reporting – 25 June 2024:

‘This is because of an issue with policing and security after this summer’s European Championship. A limited number of police officers and security will be available following the tournament, which concludes on July 14.

Hundreds of thousands of fans have travelled to Germany for the month-long tournament, requiring maximum staffing for security and emergency services over the summer. After the tournament is over, policing will return to normal levels and with staff taking annual leave Leeds were informed that local authorities would not be able to accommodate a large travelling support.

Sources at Leeds, kept anonymous to protect relationships, have said senior figures have worked extensively with German authorities in a bid to facilitate fans being able to attend games. But this has not been successful.’

Newcastle United related dates to note:

Early July 2024 – Rumoured this will be the release of 2024/25 Newcastle United away shirt / kit

Friday 5 July 2024 – Premier League pledging this will be very latest date by which time we find out all selected live TV games for August and September.

Sunday 14 July 2024 – European Championships final.

Sunday 14 July 2024 – Copa America final.

Wednesday 31 July 2024 – Urawa Red Diamonds v Newcastle United friendly in Japan, playing at the 62,000 capacity Saitama Stadium, the largest football-specific stadium in Japan.

Early August 2024 – Rumoured this will be the release of 2024/25 Newcastle United third shirt / kit

Saturday 3 August 2024 – Yokohama F Marinos v Newcastle United friendly at the National Stadium in Toyko.

Saturday 17 August 2024 – First match of NUFC season, Newcastle v Southampton with a 3pm kick-off.

Friday 30 August 2024 – Summer transfer window closes at 11pm.

Wednesday 1 January 2025 – Winter transfer window opens.

Monday 3 February 2025 – Winter transfer window closes at 11pm.

Sunday 25 May 2025 – The final round of 2024/25 Premier League fixtures will be played.