Celtic v Newcastle United – July friendly at Paradise

The Hoops are close to finalising a glamour friendly that will bring Newcastle United back to Celtic Park for the first time since 2004.

Brendan Rodgers’ four-in-a-row Scottish Premiership champions will kick off their 2025/26 preparations with a visit to SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh to take on Cork City on Tuesday 8 July.

According to iNews, Rodgers’ men are preparing to confirm a clash with the Magpies before the start of their Premiership and Champions League qualifying campaign.

Meanwhile, the SPFL is set to release the 2025/26 fixtures on Friday 20 June, with Celtic scheduled to begin their domestic campaign over the weekend of 2 and 3 August.

However, next season Callum McGregor and his teammates will face a two-legged play-off to secure their spot in the UEFA Champions League, unlike in the past three seasons where the club have gained direct entry due to Scotland’s long-standing co-efficient record.

Carabao Cup winners

Newcastle will be aiming to join Celtic in Europe’s elite club competition, with the Carabao Cup winners positioned for a top-five finish that would guarantee automatic Champions League qualification.

The Geordies are also preparing for a summer tour of Asia, where they will take on Premier League giants Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur. Whether Ange Postecoglou will be the manager of Spurs at that time remains to be seen.

The Toon Army’s visit will mark their first appearance in Glasgow’s east end in 21 years, with Momo Sylla and Henri Camara cancelling out Craig Bellamy’s early goal in August 2004 to secure a 2-1 win for Martin O’Neill’s side.

Newcastle’s most recent trip to Glasgow was two years ago, when they triumphed 2-1 over theRangers at Ibrox for Alan McGregor’s testimonial. Now, after turning down Celtic four years ago, Eddie Howe is set to take his place in the Celtic dugout.

Possible dates for Celtic v Newcastle Utd 

There’s still no word on the actual date for this pre-season friendly but if Celtic are starting against Cork City on Tuesday 8 July then it’s likely to played at Celtic Park the following weekend, that’s 12 or 13 July. We’ll confirm as soon as we find out.

Conor Spence

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