Newcastle announce five players will leave this summer as longest-serving man departs
Five of Newcastle’s first-team players will leave the club this summer.
Matt Ritchie, Paul Dummett, Loris Karius, Kell Watts and Jeff Hendrick will all leave St James’ Park following the expiration of their contracts on June 30.
Ritchie – who joined from Bournemouth in 2016 – will be a free agent this summer
Long-serving duo Dummett and Ritchie have made a combined 428 competitive appearances for the club.
Dummett is the club’s longest-serving current player, originally coming through the Magies’ academy after joining 23 years ago at the age of nine.
Meanwhile, Karius has made two competitive appearances for the first team since joining in January 2023.
He featured in the 2023 Carabao Cup final loss to Manchester United and then again in the 4-1 Premier League loss to Arsenal in February.
Hendrick and youth product Watts have spent most of their time at the club on loan in the Football League.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said: “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.”
Meanwhile, Newcastle are pushing for an answer about a potential deal for Fulham centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo this summer.
