Newcastle United confirm departure of former Chelsea captain as permanent deal agreed

Newcastle United defender Charlie Wiggett has joined League of Ireland side Sligo Rovers on a permanent basis.

The Reading-born centre-back moved to Tyneside in the summer of 2021 having captained Chelsea at several age groups.

The 21-year-old made his non competitive senior debut during a 3-2 win at Gateshead in pre-season but spent the majority of two-and-a-half-year spell playing for the under-21s.

On signing Wiggett, Sligo boss John Russell said: “Charlie is a really good prospect, he was at the academy at Chelsea before moving to Newcastle.

“I am excited to bring him to the club. He has a bit of everything, he can play out from the back, he’s aggressive, and he is very good at set plays. He is at the stage of his career where he needs first team football and we’re pleased to have him with us for the coming season”

Last week, Newcastle also announced the permanent exits of under-21s duo Remi Savage and Cameron Ferguson.

Savage joined the Magpies from Liverpool in the summer of 2021 and went on to make 38 appearances for the under-21s. The 22-year-old featured twice for Eddie Howe's first-team in pre-season, starting the 3-2 win over Gateshead before coming on as a substitute against Brighton & Hove Albion at the Premier League Summer Series in the United States.

The central defender joined Scottish Championship side Inverness Caledonian Thistle, who are managed by former Newcastle striker Duncan Ferguson.

Duncan's son, Cameron Ferguson, joined the Magpies' academy from Tranmere Rovers two-and-a-half-years ago. He too left the club "following a mutual agreement regarding his contract."

Ferguson, 20, spent the first-half of the season on loan at Scottish League Two side Forfar Athletic, where he scored once in 13 appearances. He leaves having not made a senior appearance for Newcastle.