Official statement confirms deal for defender spotted at Newcastle United training ground

The Geordie has been without a club since his release from the Magpies in the summer. Dummett was on the books of his boyhood club for 24 years, first joining the academy aged eight before going to make 213 senior appearances between 2013 and 2024.

Dummett has previously held talks with Portsmouth and Sheffield United, while Wolverhampton Wanderers were at one stage credited with an interest but nothing materialised. In the meantime, the 33-year-old has often been spotted at the Newcastle’s Benton training ground to work on fitness, while he has also cheered his former teammates on from the terraces.

Three months into the 2023-24 campaign and the former Wales international has found a new club with Wigan - managed by former Celtic and Aston Villa attacker Shaun Maloney - bringing him in on a short-term basis.

A Wigan statement read: “Wigan Athletic is delighted to announce that experienced defender Paul Dummett has joined the Club on a short-term contract until early January, subject to EFL approval.

“Dummett, 33, joins Latics ahead of Saturday's Sky Bet League One fixture against Wycombe Wanderers, bolstering Shaun Maloney's options in defence.

“The experienced defender, who can play as both a centre-back and left-back, was released by Premier League giants Newcastle United in the summer after spending 14 years at St James' Park.

“He made over 200 appearances for Newcastle after graduating from the club’s Academy. Other than loan spells at Gateshead and St Mirren, Dummett has not played for any other club during his professional career but will now link up with Shaun Maloney's side on a short-term contract.

“Dummett will wear the number 45 shirt and is available for Saturday's home league fixture against Wycombe Wanderers.”

On the move, Dummett said: "Signing for Wigan Athletic is something I'm delighted to do. It’s a club with rich history and a brilliant, young squad that I can hopefully help progress up the league during my time here. 

"It's a move that has been in the works for a little while and one that had to be right for myself after being at Newcastle for such a long time, but after speaking to the gaffer, who outlined his plans and where he sees the club going in the future, I was excited to sign and hopefully bring my experience to this journey."

Dummett’s move to Wigan means Loris Karius is the only player released by Newcastle in the summer still without a club. The former Liverpool goalkeeper is currently based in Italy where his partner and young child are based.