Five players will be leaving Newcastle this summer as soon as their contracts expire.
Long serving duo Paul Dummett and Matt Ritchie who have 428 competitive appearances for the Magpies together will leave the club.
Dummett will leave as Newcastle United's longest serving player having joined the club's academy 23 years ago. He made his senior debut in January 2013. Since then, he has made 213 competitive appearances, scored on four occasions and has been in the first team squad for more than a decade.
Matt Ritchie arrived at the club from AFC Bournemouth in July 2016. He has made 215 appearances and scored 25 goals for Newcastle. His last goal was an equaliser against his former club Bournemouth in February 2024.
Goalkeeper Loris Karius, defender Kelly Watts and midfielder Jeff Hendrick will also be leaving Newcastle United this summer.
The Head coach Eddie Howe said the following;
I'd like to say a huge thank you to each of the players leaving the club this summer. They have all given so much to the cause in their own ways, and I know our supporters will join me in wishing them every success with the next step in their careers. It's easy to judge players by appearances and goals, but the contribution made to the club by Paul and Matt in particular really has been immeasurable over many years. They have had a huge influence on our progress as a team and as a club. They have been incredible people and players to work with. Their dedication, professionalism and leadership in the dressing room during my time here has been first class, and they will bring undoubted quality and experience to their next clubs. It's also a significant moment for Kell, who has been with the club since he was eight. Kell is a top professional with an outstanding attitude, and his next club will be incredibly fortunate to have him. I wish the players and their families the very best for the future.
The CEO of Newcastle United, Darren Eales, also said the following;
On behalf of everyone at Newcastle United, I extend my sincere thanks to the players reaching the end of their contracts this summer. For Paul and Matt, so many years of consistent service as part of the first team squad is coming to an end and I want to pay tribute to them both for their immense contributions on and off the pitch. Paul is one of our Academy's great success stories. He is a shining example to young players in this region, and while Matt came to Newcastle through a different path, he will always be an adopted Geordie. Paul, Matt, Loris, Kell and Jeff have been consummate professionals during their time here, and I extend my very best wishes to each of them. They move on knowing they will always be welcome at St. James' Park.
