What happened: Newcastle United have retained midfielder Lois Joel on a new contract, keeping the 27-year-old at the club for the 2026-27 campaign. Joel arrived on Tyneside in the summer of 2024 from London City Lionesses and has since completed two seasons in the North East. The extension was confirmed through an official club statement.

Why it matters: Keeping Joel gives head coach Tanya Oxtoby continuity in midfield as Newcastle look to build on a modest Barclays WSL2 finish. Retaining an established squad member ahead of the new season signals the club's intent to push higher after falling short of promotion contention. Joel described feeling settled and eager to remain part of the project.

What to watch: Newcastle have indicated more squad news will follow, with Oxtoby's side aiming to improve on that sixth-place finish in the season ahead.