Newcastle United have announced that five players will be released upon expiry of their contracts on 30 June.
Loris Karius, Paul Dummett, Kell Watts, Jeff Hendrick and Matt Ritchie will leave the club upon expiry of their contracts.
Karius joined the Magpies in January 2023 and made two first-team appearances, which included their 2022-23 Carabao Cup Final defeat to Manchester United,
Dummett’s departure comes after 23 years at the club in which he graduated through the Magpies’ academy, and went on to score four goals in 213 competitive appearances for the senior team.
Watts too graduated through the academy but made just one senior appearance which came in a 3-1 home loss to Liverpool in July 2020, although he spent most of his time out on loan at Stevenage, Mansfield, Plymouth Argyle, Wigan and Peterborough United.
Hendrick will leave the club after four years during which he managed three goals in 27 appearances, amidst loan moves to QPR, Reading and Sheffield Wednesday during his time at Newcastle.
Ritchie’s exit comes after eight seasons on Tyneside in which he scored 25 goals in 215 total appearances, during which he and Dummett helped the Magpies claim the 2016-17 Championship title.
Head Coach, Eddie Howe issued a farewell message to the five departing players, praising them for their efforts and commitment to the team’s progress.
“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.”
Howe also acknowledged the importance of this moment for Watts as he continued: “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.”
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