£35M duo set to leave Newcastle United as Premier League prepare official announcement

Newcastle United stand on the verge of significant squad changes as the club prepares to confirm its retained list ahead of the Premier League’s official announcement.

While the Magpies’ core group remains securely under contract, five players appear destined to exit St James’ Park when their deals expire on June 30th. This transitional period marks both the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for Eddie Howe’s evolving squad.

The imminent departure of Callum Wilson represents the most emotionally charged exit among the out-of-contract quintet. The 33-year-old striker leaves an indelible mark on Newcastle’s modern history, having netted 49 goals in 130 appearances since his £20 million arrival from Bournemouth.

Wilson’s tearful lap of honor following Newcastle’s final home game against Everton served as a poignant farewell to supporters who cherished his contributions during the club’s rise from relegation candidates to Champions League qualifiers.

While injuries hampered his final seasons, the England international departs as Newcastle’s third-highest Premier League goalscorer behind only Alan Shearer and Alexander Isak – a testament to his clinical finishing when fit.

In the goalkeeping department, Newcastle bid farewell to two veteran shot-stoppers who served primarily as training ground influences.

John Ruddy’s one-year stint yielded zero competitive appearances, yet the 38-year-old’s professionalism and experience proved invaluable behind the scenes. Similarly, local product Mark Gillespie exits after several years as a homegrown presence in the goalkeeping union.

The 33-year-old’s boyhood connection to the club made him a popular figure at the training ground, though like Ruddy, he never threatened to claim meaningful minutes between the posts.

Defensive Exits Reshape Backline Options

Jamal Lewis’s disappointing Newcastle tenure reaches its conclusion after four injury-plagued seasons following his £15 million move from Norwich.

The left-back’s failed loan spell at Sao Paulo – cut short due to an ankle injury requiring surgery – symbolized a transfer that never delivered on its initial promise. Championship clubs have already registered interest in the 27-year-old Northern Ireland international, who will hope to revive his career away from Tyneside.

Lloyd Kelly’s permanent move to Juventus, agreed during his January loan switch, marks another defensive departure. The £20 million obligation-to-buy clause has been triggered, formalizing the center-back’s transfer to Turin after just six months at St James’ Park. Kelly’s exit further reduces Newcastle’s defensive depth, likely prompting Howe to enter the market for reinforcements this summer.

The publication of Newcastle’s retained list will provide official confirmation of these exits while potentially revealing surprise contract extensions or ongoing negotiations.

Premier League regulations require clubs to submit their lists within two weeks of the season’s conclusion, meaning Newcastle’s announcement should precede the league’s Monday deadline.

For Howe and sporting director Dan Ashworth, these departures create both challenges and opportunities. Wilson’s exit leaves Newcastle light at striker, requiring either faith in young prospects or a dip into the transfer market.

The goalkeeping changes may prompt a reassessment of Martin Dúbravka’s role as backup to Nick Pope, while Lewis’s departure could accelerate plans for a new left-back to challenge Dan Burn.

Financially, the wage bill reductions from these exits provide flexibility as Newcastle navigate Profit and Sustainability Rules.

Wilson’s reported £100,000-per-week salary alone creates significant room for maneuver in the transfer market. The club’s ability to recoup £20 million for Kelly demonstrates shrewd business for a player who made minimal impact after his summer arrival.

As Newcastle prepare for another European campaign, these calculated squad adjustments reflect the club’s ongoing evolution under PIF ownership. While sentimental goodbyes accompany several departures, the ruthless nature of top-flight football demands continuous renewal.

The coming weeks will reveal how Newcastle reinvest the savings and fees from these exits as they aim to build on last season’s progress while addressing areas of weakness exposed during a challenging campaign.

For the departing players, their Newcastle legacies vary widely – from Wilson’s hero status to Lewis’s unfulfilled potential. Yet each contributed to the club’s remarkable transformation from Premier League also-rans to continental competitors.

As the retained list formalizes these exits, Newcastle fans can reflect on this transitional period with gratitude for services rendered while anticipating how the freed resources might strengthen Howe’s squad for the challenges ahead.