Newcastle United’s pre-season schedule kicks off today, with the first group of players due back for fitness checks and training ahead of the 2025/26 season.
With that in mind, final decisions over certain out-of-contract Mags should soon be made clear, and it seems one of the two in question has agreed to stay.
According to Lee Ryder at The Chronicle, John Ruddy will sign a one-year extension to keep him at St James’ Park for another 12 months; a surprise update given the rarely-seen stopper was widely expected to leave.
The 38-year-old had offers from the EFL and reported interest from his former club, Norwich City, but he’ll stay in a back-up role, with Eddie Howe also valuing his mentoring and leadership behind the scenes.
However, Callum Wilson’s future is far less certain. Ryder reports that Howe is happy to keep the No 9 on an incentive-based deal, but the 33-year-old turned down our initial offer last week.
Wilson is currently away on punditry duties at the FIFA Club World Cup and has interest from elsewhere, leaving him a free agent with some big decisions to make.
Howe commented on Wilson’s future after our final game of 2024/25 back in May, stating: “Well, let’s wait and see. We’re going to sit down and talk with his representatives.
“What I can say is Callum Wilson is and has been just an incredible footballer for Newcastle, someone who epitomises the spirit that’s got us to where we are.”
On Ruddy’s role in the squad, Howe previously said: “John has been brilliant behind the scenes, I have to say. I can’t praise people like John enough. He has come into the football club and he has fully embraced everything we do.
“He is here for youth games and reserve games. He has really invested in trying to help people. Every player I am sure he has touched in some way. John has been a vital part of what we have done this year.”