Newcastle United confirm departure as defender agrees season-long loan move

Newcastle United have confirmed a second loan departure of the summer after young defender Matty Bondswell agreed to a season-long stay with League Two club Newport County.

Just over two years have passed since the attacking left-back joined the Magpies from Bundesliga club RB Leipzig and there were high hopes the former Nottingham Forest academy product could push for a first-team place.

Despite being a regular feature in Under-21s sides under the likes of Chris Hogg and Ben Dawson, Bondswell’s senior experience was limited to friendly appearances including a promising display in a defeat at Portuguese giants Benfica last summer. The 21-year-old had spent an underwhelming loan stint at Shrewsbury during the second half of the previous season and will now hope to make an impact after a temporary switch to Newport was completed on Wednesday evening.

After putting pen-to-paper, the Magpies defender told the Exiles website: “After meeting the Gaffer it was quite an easy decision to make. I’ve heard good things about him, the club and the lads as well. I am absolutely delighted to be here and to get it (the deal) over the line. I’m ready to get going.”

County manager Graham Coughlan added: “Matty has a natural quality. Given where he’s from, he has great pedigree and will bring great balance with his left foot. He’s very offensive in his style and has a good deal of pace which we were recruiting for this summer. His character and his desire to push on fits the DNA of our football club perfectly.”

Bondswell is the second United player to leave on loan this summer after new signing Yankuba Minteh joined Dutch champions Feyenoord after completing a £6m move to St James Park.