'Special club' - Newcastle United centre-back confirms departure in emotional farewell message
Newcastle United fought off strong competition to sign the defender in the summer of 2022.
Charlie McArthur has bid an emotional farewell to Newcastle United after announcing his departure.
Newcastle fought off strong competition to sign McArthur in the summer of 2022 from Scottish side Kilmarnock, where he made his senior debut as a 16-year-old.
However, just a couple of months after arriving on Tyneside, McArthur was dealt a devastating blow when he suffered a serious knee injury that kept him sidelined for nine months.
While the 21-year-old recovered to make over 50 appearances for the club’s academy, he sadly never got close to making a competitive appearance for Eddie Howe’s first team.
McArthur’s senior experience came in the form of loan spells, after spending time at Carlisle United during the 2024-25 season before spending the second half of last season back in Scotland at Airdrieonians.
Charlie McArthur confirms Newcastle United departure via farewell message
The centre-back is out of contract this summer and has confirmed his four-year stay won’t be extended.
“As I move on to the next chapter of my career, I would like to say thank you to everyone at Newcastle United for the support, opportunities, and memories over the past four years,” McArthur wrote on Instagram.
“It has been a pleasure to be part of such a special club, and I am grateful to all the staff and players I have worked alongside.
“I wish everyone connected with nufc all the very best for the future🖤”
Newcastle United academy retained list
McArthur wasn’t included on the club’s academy retained list, which confirmed the departures of Ciaran Thompson, Alfie Harrison, Adam Harrison, James Taylor, Joe Brayson, Thomas Bryant and Darren Palmer.
Academy Director Steve Harper said: “I want to extend my thanks to all the players moving on from the Academy this summer. They have all made positive contributions during their time here and they are all well placed to continue their football journey on the back of the platform they’ve built.
“Our support for each of them will continue as they take their next steps. The Academy remains a resource for them and I look forward to seeing where their journeys take them.
"On behalf of everyone at the football club, we wish them every success for the future.”