The Magpies will host a double-header against European opposition at St. James' Park a week before the season gets under way, firstly taking on Italian club Atalanta on Friday, 29th July before welcoming Spanish side Athletic Bilbao on Saturday, 30th July (time TBC).

It is expected that head coach Eddie Howe will split his first-team squad across the two fixtures.

Known formally as Athletic Club, Basque-based Bilbao finished eighth in La Liga last season and also came close to cup success during the 2021/22 campaign, but lost to Real Madrid in the Supercopa de España final after previously lifting the trophy last year. 

Ticket information and additional pre-season fixtures will be confirmed in due course.