Newcastle United had a decent Premier League run this past season, ending up in the top seven spots and busting out big-name clubs like Manchester United and West Ham United. They almost edged out Chelsea to get into sixth place, but were beaten by only three points heading into the last game of the season. Despite earning a spot higher than United, they didn’t make it to the Europa Conference League or Europa League for next year.
That type of disappointment weighs heavily on a club. It is no wonder that there was a mass exodus/transfer out of the club after the season ended. Five players decided to leave – or were told to go – by the board at Newcastle United in the hopes of revamping their squad depth before the 2024-2025 Premier League season kicks off
Newcastle United Five Surprise Departures After Season Conclusion
"This club is an unbelievable football club." 🥹
Playing in the black and white an impressive 215 times and making so many memories along the way.
Thank you, Matt Ritchie. 🖤🤍 pic.twitter.com/wHk7VmNl4p
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) May 29, 2024
Newcastle United didn’t have a bad season all things considered, but one would think so in the way that five players were immediately let go following the 2023-2024 campaign.
Paul Dummett and Matt Ritchie both left Untied, due to the end of their contracts and not being renewed by the club. Dummett played for the Wales National Team and operated as a center back and left back for United, having made over 196 appearances for his club since joining in 2010. During his time at Newcastle United, he has also spent time at Gateshead in 2012 on loan and St. Mirren from 2012-2013 on loan, earning 30 appearances and scoring two goals as a defender.
Matt Ritchie is a veteran right winger and wing back who has played more than 180 games for Newcastle United since joining in 2016. He has been a stalwart for the team, consistently playing well and anchoring the back line throughout the last eight seasons at the club. But, his older age and lack of speed could be one of the reasons why he left the club.
Furthermore, Karius – the ex-Liverpool keeper who never really rebounded after some costly errors during a CL match – is leaving Newcastle United. At 30 years old, he is nearing the end of his career, but could potentially make a move back to the German Bundesliga, where he is from. He could also potentially make a return to Beskitas, where he had a successful loan spell during his time at Liverpool.
Jeff Hendrick is another to depart Newcastle United. The older Irish player is a midfielder who started his senior career at Derby county, earning 196 appearances and scoring 22 goals in his six seasons. After going to Newcastle United in 2020, he made very few appearance and spent the majority of his time on loan at QPR, Reading, and Sheffield Wednesday.
The final player to leave Newcastle United is Kelland Watts, a younger English center back who joined Newcastle United in 2018. He has only made one appearance for the club and spent the majority of the last six years on loan at Stevenage, Mansfield town, Plymouth Argyle, Wigan Athletic, and other League One teams.
Newcastle United Looking Forward
Newcastle United obviously wanted a complete overhaul and revamp of their squad list going into the new season. Newcastle failed to qualify for any type of European competition, which surely hit home for the coaching staff, board members, players, and fans. The manager, Eddie Howe, realized how unfair it was to finish higher in the standings than Man United, but not receive any of the benefits. In a statement after the releases Howe said:
I’d like to say a huge thank you to each of the players leaving the club this summer. They have all given so much to the cause in their own ways, and I know the support will join me in wishing them every success with the next step in their careers. 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….They have been incredible people and players to work with.
About the Author
Emma is an athlete and sports fan who currently plays professional soccer. Growing up, she reached a high level in track and field, distance running, and soccer on both club and university teams.
