Newcastle United make £20m transfer decision as seven players set to leave club this summer
Several Newcastle United departures are set to be confirmed this summer as things stand. tures are set to be confirmed this summer.
Newcastle United have a number of out-of-contract players this summer, and most are unlikely to get offered renewed deals.
Last month, Newcastle announced that Kieran Trippier would be leaving the club after four-and-a-half years when his contract expires on June 30.
But he is just one of six players out of contract at the end of the season, while a seventh player is also on course to leave.
Here is the situation regarding Newcastle’s out-of-contract players...
Kieran Trippier
Kieran Trippier is the only player Newcastle United has officially confirmed will leave the club when his contract expires this summer.
The 35-year-old has been an excellent servant since joining from Atlético Madrid in January 2022, making more than 150 appearances for the Magpies.
He played a major role in securing two Champions League qualifications and was part of the side that ended Newcastle’s 70-year wait for a domestic trophy by winning the Carabao Cup last season.
The Gazette has launched a WhatsApp NUFC channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone. Simply click this link to join our NUFC WhatsApp channel.
Fabian Schär
Fabian Schär is also out of contract in the summer, but his situation is more open. The Swiss defender is highly regarded by Eddie Howe, but has been out injured since January.
The 34-year-old has always appeared relaxed about his future, having signed short-term extensions in recent years. The main question now is how much he has left to offer at the top level once he recovers from a lengthy spell on the sidelines?
European qualification would likely see Schär offered a new deal. But with Europe looking unlikely for the Magpies, there is genuine uncertainty surrounding the centre-back.
Emil Krafth
Krafth has been out since November with a knee injury, but has historically proven himself a reliable and versatile squad player under Howe, capable of filling in across the entire defensive line.
With Trippier departing, it remains to be seen whether Newcastle will offer Krafth a new deal. However, the Swede is unlikely to be a regular starter if he stays and may seek more consistent first-team football elsewhere.
As revealed by The Gazette, the defender’s house is currently up for sale as uncertainty over his future intensifies.
Matt Targett
Matt Targett has already played his last game for Newcastle. The 30-year-old left-back has spent the final year of his contract on loan at Middlesbrough and has publicly stated that he is “done” at St James’ Park. He is expected to become a free agent this summer.
Along with Trippier, Targett is the only out-of-contract player to have openly confirmed his future lies away from Tyneside.
John Ruddy
Goalkeeper John Ruddy is set to leave Newcastle without making a competitive first-team appearance. The veteran goalkeeper was brought in as a training ground goalkeeper and has fulfilled his duties in that respect.
The 39-year-old is expected to retire at the end of the season.
Mark Gillespie
Mark Gillespie is another goalkeeper limited to making an impact on the training ground rather than on the pitch.
He has routinely signed one-year deals at the end of every season since the takeover. The club will make the call whether to do the same again or finally part ways with the Geordie shot-stopper.
Aaron Ramsdale
While Aaron Ramsdale isn’t contracted to Newcastle, the club do have a £20million option to make his loan move from Southampton permanent this summer.
But that option is not expected to be triggered despite the 27-year-old making 23 appearances for Newcastle in all competitions this season.
Your next Newcastle United read: Exclusive: Newcastle United make Eddie Howe future plans clear - but key departures expected this summer