Former 34-goal Newcastle United star has contract terminated by club - now a free agent

Former Newcastle United striker Dwight Gayle is a free agent after terminating his contract at Stoke City on deadline day.

The 34-year-old joined the Potters from Newcastle in the summer of 2022 but has struggled for form having scored just three times in 50 appearances. He netted a brace in a 5-1 win at Sunderland in March last year but hasn't found the net since.

Gayle has featured on 13 occasions this term with his 10 minute cameo on New Year's Day proving to be his last. Stoke City technical director Ricky Martin said: “Dwight has been a true professional throughout his time with Stoke City and a positive influence around Clayton Wood. We thank him for his efforts during the past season and a half and wish him all the best for the future.”

Gayle had enjoyed a prolific record in the Championship prior to his time with Stoke. The 34-year-old earned a move to Premier League side Crystal Palace after scoring 13 times for Peterborough United before dropping back into England's second tier with Newcastle in 2016.

Signed for £12million by Rafa Benitez, Gayle struck 23 goals to fire United back to the Premier League at the first attempt. In total, he made 122 appearances and scored 34 goals across a six-year spell on Tyneside, which included a loan spell at West Bromwich Albion in 2018-19.

When Gayle departed Newcastle, United head coach Eddie Howe said: “I was very honest with him. I said from day one, from my perspective, I had a great relationship with him, and I love working with him.

"He was brilliant for the team last year, and because of all those things, he deserved the utmost respect and honesty from me about the how the future lay for him, and I wanted to give him the best chance to find his next home.

“I really hope he goes on and has a great season next year, and I wish him nothing but success.”