Paul Dummett’s future at Newcastle United has come into focus following the Geordie defender’s costly mistake against Everton on Tuesday night.
The 32-year-old made only his second Premier League appearance in two years when he replaced Lewis Hall with 20 minutes to go at St James’ Park.
United were leading 1-0 courtesy of Alexander Isak’s early opener but the Toffees equalised in the 88th minute when Dominic Calvert-Lewin converted from the penalty spot after Dummett wrestled Ashley Young to the floor.
It was a costly moment that denied the Magpies back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time since December but head coach Eddie Howe was reluctant to lay any blame at Dummett’s door.
Howe said: "It's always difficult when you come on late in games, especially when you're winning. Being a defender myself they're always difficult moments because you want to keep your concentration and help the team.
“Paul's been first class since I've been here, he's a really genuine, honest lad. It's one of those moments that has gone against us but I can't fault the players. Genuinely, I thought we were really committed to give a really good performance for the majority of the game."
Dummett has made 210 appearances for his boyhood club since making his debut 11 years ago but is out-of-contract at the end of the campaign.
But Dummett’s deal isn’t the only one expiring this summer, leaving Howe and Newcastle with some decisions to make.
And those decisions go beyond this summer with a number of players out-of-contract in 2025. One player Howe is “desperate” to agree new terms with is Joelinton.
Talks are ongoing and while there is optimism over reaching a positive conclusion, failure to strike an agreement could see the Brazilian sold this summer, as admitted by Howe himself.
Here, we take a look at when every Newcastle United player's contract expires - with six players, as it stands, on course to leave the club as free agents.
1. Elliot Anderson - N/A
Signed a ‘long-term’ deal in September 2022.
2. Anthony Gordon - N/A
Newcastle didn’t disclose the length of Gordon's contract when he signed from Everton just over 12 months ago.
3. Harrison Ashby - N/A
Similar to Gordon, the club didn’t reveal Ashby's contract length. Currently on loan at Swansea City.
4. Lewis Hall - TBC
Newcastle have triggered a permanent deal for Hall - currently on loan from Chelsea - after meeting the performance related criteria. He will sign a long-term contract this summer.