Sunday, June 30 will mark the end of an era for several Newcastle United players as Matt Ritchie, Paul Dummett, Loris Karius, Jeff Hendrick, and Kell Watts’ contracts at St James’ Park come to an end.
This transition will see these players exploring new opportunities with other clubs this summer.
Matt Ritchie, Paul Dummett, and Loris Karius Move On
Reflecting on the players’ departures, Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe expressed his gratitude: “I’d like to say a huge thank you to each of the players leaving the club this summer.
Their contributions, particularly from Paul and Matt, have been immeasurable over many years. They have significantly influenced our progress as a team and as a club.”
Jeff Hendrick and Kell Watts Seek New Opportunities
Eddie Howe continued, “Their dedication, professionalism, and leadership in the dressing room have been first-class. They will bring undoubted quality and experience to their next clubs. It’s a significant moment for Kell, who has been with the club since he was eight. His next club will be incredibly fortunate to have him. I wish the players and their families the very best for the future.”
Newcastle United CEO Darren Eales also added, “Paul, Matt, Loris, Kell, and Jeff have been consummate professionals during their time here. They move on knowing they will always be welcome at St. James’ Park.”
Kell Watts Joins Cambridge United
Watts is the first to secure his future, agreeing to a two-year deal with League One side Cambridge United starting July 1. The 24-year-old defender spent the 2023-24 season on loan at Wigan Athletic but faced limited opportunities, making just 14 appearances.
Despite a potential permanent move to Wigan, both parties opted against it, leading Watts to seek new horizons.
Loris Karius Eyes Italy
Karius, who joined Newcastle as a free agent in 2022, made only two appearances for the club. The German goalkeeper is now prioritizing a move to Italy to be closer to his wife and daughter.
Karius has engaged Italian-based agency Circum and expressed that a move to Serie A would be ‘a great solution’. Clubs like AS Roma, Monza, and Torino have shown interest.
Paul Dummett’s 24-Year Tenure Ends
Dummett, after 213 first-team appearances and 24 years at Newcastle, is set to leave. The defender made his final appearance in a 4-2 win against Brentford. Eddie Howe hinted that Dummett might have been offered a new deal had Newcastle qualified for European football, but missing out sealed his fate.
Matt Ritchie’s Contributions Celebrated
Ritchie, who played a pivotal role in Newcastle’s promotion back to the Premier League, is also moving on.
The 34-year-old made 215 appearances and scored 25 goals, including a memorable last-minute equalizer against AFC Bournemouth. Several Championship clubs, including Portsmouth and Watford, have shown interest in Ritchie.
Jeff Hendrick’s Challenging Spell Concludes
Hendrick’s tenure at Newcastle, marked by a promising start with a goal and an assist on his debut, ultimately saw limited success.
After making 27 appearances, he spent time on loan at Queens Park Rangers, Reading, and Sheffield Wednesday. Now, Hendrick is free to join a new club.
Yankuba Minteh: Potential Departure Before Deadline
Unlike the others, 19-year-old winger Yankuba Minteh still has four years left on his contract. However, Newcastle is reluctantly looking to sell him before the Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules deadline. With a £40 million asking price, Minteh was close to joining Lyon, but the player declined the move, reportedly preferring a transfer to Marseille.
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