Newcastle United confirm double summer exit as trio trigger surprise contract extension

Newcastle United have triggered one-year contract extensions for Matt Ritchie and Mark Gillespie, while Dan Burn is extending his stay at St James’ Park until 2025.

The Magpies have announced its retained list ahead of the 2023-24 Premier League season, confirming new contracts have been offered to Paul Dummett and Loris Karius. Meanwhile, Ciaran Clark and Matty Longstaff will leave depart at the end of their contracts this month.

“The club have triggered an option to retain Matt Ritchie‘s services for another season, while offers have been made to Paul Dummett and Loris Karius,” United wrote. “The club have taken an option to extend Mark Gillespie‘s contract for another year, while Dan Burn has activated another year on his existing contract based on appearances.

“Ciaran Clark and Matty Longstaff are among the players who will leave the Magpies at the end of their contracts, although the latter will continue to receive treatment on the knee injury he suffered in December last year.”

Clark joined Newcastle from Aston Villa in August 2016 and in his first season was voted the club’s player of the year en route to lifting the Championship title. The 33-year-old, who spent last season on loan at Sheffield United, made 127 appearances for the Magpies.

Longstaff, meanwhile, memorably scored the winner on his Premier League debut against Manchester United but struggled to establish himself as a regular after being mismanaged by Steve Bruce. The North Shields-born midfielder will remain on Tyneside until he fully recovers from the ACL injury sustained on loan at Colchester United.

With Ritchie and Gillespie staying at St James’ Park, Eddie Howe is hopeful of reaching an agreement with Dummett and Karius after going public with his desire to keep the pair. Burn has activated a one-year contract extension based on appearances.

Chris Wood’s permanent £15million move to Nottingham Forest will be made official on July 1.

Elsewhere, United have activated options to extend the stays of Amadou Diallo and Michael Ndiweni while contract offers have been made to Will Brown, Nathan Carlyon, Kyle Crossley, James Huntley, Jamie Miley and Josh Scott.

At under-18 level, second-year scholars Ben Parkinson and Ciaran Thompson have agreed professional contracts. Eden Page has taken the option of a third-year scholarship as he continues his recovery from a long-term injury.

Harry Barclay, Niall Brookwell, Dan Langley, Joe Oliver, Josh Stewart, Isaac Westendorf, Beau Beresford, Steven Bessent, Lucas Cooper, Callum McNally and Nathan Nkunku will depart the academy this summer.

“Newcastle United thanks all of the players leaving St. James’ Park for their efforts and wishes them every success for the future,” the statement concluded.