Newcastle United have already told six players that they're being let go - two more set follow

Newcastle United have informed several academy players that their time at the club is over.

The Magpies’ second string beat Northern League Division Two champions Blyth Town to win the Northumberland Senior Cup at St James’ Park earlier this month. That was a farewell appearance for some with their contracts expiring at the end of June.

Speaking after the game, under-21s lead coach Ben Dawson told NewcastleWorld: “They have known for a while and credit to them, it hasn’t changed their behaviours. They’ve been professional, they’ve worked hard, they’ve stuck together as a group and I’m pleased they’ve got something tangible to work away with tonight.”

Six youngsters have already taken to social media to confirm their departure - here’s a recap:

Michael Ndiweni

Ndiweni joined the club’s academy in 2016 and progressed through the ranks to make his Premier League debut as a substitute against Chelsea in November.

That was the 20-year-old’s only senior appearance before spending the second-half of the campaign on loan at Scottish League One side Annan Athletic.

“After 8 years it’s now time to say goodbye to my boyhood club,” said Ndiweni. “During these years I’ve experienced things that 12-year-old me could have only hoped for.

“I was once a kid in the stands that used to watch Newcastle United every other week and dreamed of being able to put on that black and white shirt. I have been able to represent this unbelievable club from academy level to the 1st team and to make my Premier league debut at St James Park is something that I will never forget.

“I would like to give a massive thank you to all my teammates, the coaches, and the staff members who have helped me along this journey and have made it possible.

“Also I would like to thank all the NUFC fans that have shown me support throughout my time at the club. ‘I loved representing the city and people that are me.’ I will be forever grateful for the support I have received and they will always have a place in my heart.

“I will never ever forget my time here. All the ups and the downs will stay with me forever. I am just so grateful that I have been given the opportunity to play for the club that I have always supported and loved. Thanks for everything! 🤍🖤 #NUFC” 

Amadou Diallo

Diallo too made his debut as a late substitute against Chelsea last year and also played in both games against Tottenham Hotspur and the A-League All Stars in Australia last week.

The 21-year-old spent two years on Tyneside after joining from West Ham United.

“My time at @nufc has come to an end,” Diallo said. “Firstly, I would like to thank the club for giving me the great opportunity of playing for them. I would also like to give a massive thank you to the fans for their support as I really enjoyed representing the club. ⚫️⚪️”

Matty Bondswell

Bondswell arrived in 2021 from RB Leipzig with a promising reputation and looked to have grasped his first-team opportunity when he impressed during a pre-season game away to Benfica just under two years ago.

But loan spells away from the club at Shrewsbury Town and Newport County didn’t work out, and Newcastle have taken the decision to let the 22-year-old go.

“My time at Newcastle has come to an end,” he wrote. “I’ll be leaving with many great memories and I want to thank everyone who has been a part of that.

“Fans, thank you to the fans for your support. It’s been an honour to be able to wear the black and white shirt in front of you.”

Kyle Crossley

Crossley, 19, spent five years at Newcastle but never came closing to make a senior appearances. During the 2023-24 season, Crossley made 20 appearances for the academy and scored seven goals, including a brace in the 3-2 win over Sunderland under-21s.

He said: “Last night was my last game for @nufc and what a way to finish it, just under 5 years at the club making some great memories along the way 🖤🤍#nufc.”

Jude Smith

Former Celtic youngster Smith joined the Magpies from Scottish League Two side East Fife two years ago. The 20-year-old featured in the EFL Trophy and Premier League while also gaining valuable senior experience, either through training or travelling with Eddie Howe’s squad.

“Big thanks to all the @nufc staff and my teammates over the last 2 years,” he wrote. “Been full of ups and downs and made memories to last a lifetime been a pleasure. Howay the lads ⚫️⚪️.”

Jordan Hackett

Hammersmith-born Hackett signed a professional contract with Newcastle when he joined from Tottenham Hotspur in 2022. The 20-year-old was regular for the under-21s but never came close to making a first-team appearance.

The 20-year-old said: “Been a pleasure @nufc Thank you to all staff and my teammates for making it an enjoyable experience onto the next journey🖤🤍.”

And the two players set to follow

It’s understood both Dylan Stephenson and Lucas De Bolle have been told their contracts won’t be renewed, although neither player has taken to social media to bid farewell yet.

The pair, who have turned out for the first-team in friendlies, spent last term on loan at Hamilton Academical together before taking different paths this season. De Bolle saw a move to Feyenoord fall through and therefore stayed on Tyneside. Meanwhile, Stephenson enjoyed a successful half-season loan spell at National League North outfit South Shields.