Former Liverpool man released as Newcastle United make contract decision on five players

Newcastle United have announced five first-team players are being released this summer, including long-serving duo Paul Dummett and Matt Ritchie.

Dummett is currently the Magpies’ longest-serving player having first joined the academy 23 years ago. He made his senior debut in January 2013 and has gone on to amass 213 appearances, the last being the 4-2 win at Brentford earlier this month.

Ritchie arrived from AFC Bournemouth for £12million in 2016 and alongside Dummett played a key role as Newcastle lifted the Championship title to return to the Premier League at the first attempt in 2016-17. The 34-year-old appeared 215 times and scored 25 goals with his injury time equaliser against Bournemouth in February proving to be his last.

Both players have had their game time restricted in recent seasons but United head coach Eddie Howe has regularly highlighted their big contribution behind the scenes. Howe was keen to keep the pair but admitted that was dependent on securing European qualification.

Also leaving St James’ Park at the end of their contracts next month are Loris Karius, Kelland Watts and Jeff Hendrick.

Karius made two appearances for Newcastle since arriving as a free agent from Liverpool in September 2022 - the Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester United and the Premier League loss away to Arsenal in February. The German goalkeeper is expected to sign for a team in Italy, where his partner and daughter are based.

Similar to Dummett, Watts joined the club’s academy aged eight before going on to make his Premier League debut against Liverpool in 2020. The 24-year-old has forged a solid career in EFL, making 100 appearances across loan spells at Stevenage, Mansfield Town, Plymouth Argyle, Wigan Athletic and Peterborough United.

Hendrick, meanwhile, brings his Newcastle career to an end having last featured for the club in December 2021. The Republic of Ireland midfielder, who joined as a free agent from Burnley under Steve Bruce in 2020, made 27 appearances and scored three goals before loan moves to QPR, Reading and Sheffield Wednesday.

Message from Eddie Howe and Darren Eales

Howe said: "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.

“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. I wish the players and their families the very best for the future.”

Darren Eales, Newcastle United CEO, added: "On behalf of everyone at Newcastle United, I extend my sincere thanks to the players reaching the end of their contracts this summer.

"For Paul and Matt, so many years of consistent service as part of the first team squad is coming to an end and I want to pay tribute to them both for their immense contributions on and off the pitch.

"Paul is one of our Academy’s great success stories. He is a shining example to young players in this region, and while Matt came to Newcastle through a different path, he will always be an adopted Geordie.

“Paul, Matt, Loris, Kell and Jeff have been consummate professionals during their time here, and I extend my very best wishes to each of them. They move on knowing they will always be welcome at St. James’ Park.”