Newcastle United trigger deal for 'incredible' player & the 11 players set to leave in 2025 - as it stands

It’s been a strange week at Newcastle United after bidding farewell to a number of faces, including some that have been at the football club for a long time.

The two standout departures were Paul Dummett and Matt Ritchie who, alongside senior players Loris Karius, Kelland Watts and Jeff Hendrick, have been informed they won’t be getting new contracts when their current expires on June 30.

Dummett had been at Newcastle for 23 years, progressing through the academy before going on to make 213 appearances. Meanwhile, Ritchie appeared 215 times since joining from AFC Bournemouth in 2016.

Both players played a big role in Newcastle’s Championship title success in 2017 as well as helping to keep the club in the Premier League under Rafa Benitez and Steve Bruce. But under Eddie Howe, their game time has been restricted.

"It’s easy to judge players by appearances and goals, but the contribution made to the club by Paul and Matt in particular really has been immeasurable over many years,” said Howe. “They have had a huge influence on our progress as a team and as a club.

“They have been incredible people and players to work with. Their dedication, professionalism and leadership in the dressing room during my time here has been first class, and they will bring undoubted quality and experience to their next clubs.”

The only player that was out-of-contract this summer who Newcastle have retained is Mark Gillespie. The Geordie goalkeeper last made a competitive appearance four years ago but is highly valued behind the scenes.

After Gillespie came on to help the Magpies see off Tottenham Hotspur on penalties in Australia last week, Howe explained exactly why he was so keen to keep the 32-year-old.

“The work this guy has put in this season is just incredible,” said Howe. “Too often we always talk about the players that are playing but never enough about the players aren’t playing who contribute so much and Mark is one of those.

“His attitude to training is ridiculous every day. You’re on the end of a lot of shots, aren’t you? Day in, day out, he is always there for the players to help them get better and you need a goalkeeper that be there, train everyday and be consistent as Mark is.

“These experiences for Mark, I’m so pleased for him for what he gives every day. There are a lot of players like Mark in the squad who characterise our success. So I just wanted to say that to Mark and share that moment with him.”

Football moves quickly and Newcastle’s focus is very much on next season. And, in 12 months’ time, there will once again be decisions to make with 11 first-team players out-of-contract in 2025 - as it stands.

Here’s when every Newcastle United player’s contract expires: