Newcastle United will be making some important contract decisions in the coming months.
Eddie Howe has six Newcastle United first-team players whose contracts expire this summer.
The club has already decided to prolong Fabian Schar’s stay, much to the delight of his Toon teammates, and Emil Krafth was equally thrilled to sign his own contract extension. Their agreements were followed by the announcement that Jamaal Lascelles had signed an extension, keeping him at St James’ Park until 2025.
Their futures are set beyond this summer, and Newcastle United must now decide on six more players.
Geordie Boot Boys examines each player, deciding who should stay at St James’ Park and who should leave.
Paul Dummett
After making his Newcastle United debut in 2013, Paul Dummett has since played over 200 games for his hometown club. However, appearances have been difficult to come by in recent years.
The defender has performed admirably when Eddie Howe has turned to him, but opportunities have been scarce.
He was linked with a transfer away from Tyneside in January, and it has been reported that he will not be given a new Toon deal. That is undoubtedly a smart decision, as sentiment needs to be set aside while we move forward with PIF’s enormous mission.
Verdict: Release
Matt Ritchie
Matt Ritchie is beloved behind the scenes at St James’ Park. Anthony Gordon recently emphasized his importance, and he was dubbed the unsung hero last season when Newcastle United qualified for the Champions League.
The 34-year-old ‘inspiration’ recently scored a crucial equaliser for the Magpies against Bournemouth, which was fantastic to witness. However, he does not play a significant enough part on the pitch to justify his continued presence at the club.
That’s a shame because the £12 million player is a beloved member of the squad, but, like Dummett, sentiment must be set aside.
Verdict: Release
Loris Karius
Loris Karius appears certain to depart Newcastle United this summer, and it’s a shame he won’t leave as a hero.
He had the opportunity to do so after starting the Carabao Cup final last season because Nick Pope was suspended. However, Karius was unable to assist Newcastle break their trophy drought and has made only one appearance since.
A move to Italy appears to be appealing for family reasons.
Mark Gillespie
With Loris Karius set to go and Martin Dubravka’s future uncertain, Mark Gillespie should certainly be kept.
The local lad has only ever played in the Carabao Cup for Newcastle United, and there have been questions about his talent behind the scenes.
However, given Newcastle’s apparent shortage of senior goalkeepers, it may be prudent to offer Gillespie a one-year extension to allow the club to get its goalkeeping ducks in a row.
Verdict: Keep
Jeff Hendrick
Jeff Hendrick joined Newcastle United in the summer of 2020 on a free transfer from Burnley, when Steve Bruce was manager.
He appeared to be a decent addition at the time, but he never quite lived up to expectations. The Republic of Ireland international is well-known for scoring the final goal of the Mike Ashley era, although he has only appeared once since Eddie Howe took over at Newcastle.
Hendrick is currently on loan at Sheffield Wednesday and is a player that the Magpies will be anxious to have off their payroll.
Verdict: Release
Kelland Watts
Kelland Watts has only made one senior appearance for Newcastle United, and it occurred on the final day of the 2019/20 Premier League season, when games were held behind closed doors due to COVID.
While Eddie Howe has been impressed with Watts, the Newcastle manager has loaned him out throughout his time on Tyneside.
He will not be kept, as his current loan deal with Wigan Athletic is poised to become permanent when his Toon contract expires this summer.
