Newcastle United have reportedly agreed a new deal to keep a player whose contract expired this summer at the club for another year, but Callum Wilson’s situation remains unclear.
The Magpies promised to be busy in the summer transfer window, and deals look to be bubbling away in the background. However, it was always going to be the case that there were going to be departures as well as arrivals.
Newcastle United’s squad is full of quality, but it is also full of fringe players. Reports suggest Eddie Howe has told several players that they can leave this summer. The likes of Isaac Hayden and Matt Targett clearly have no future on Tyneside, so they will look to be moved on before the deadline in September.
Elsewhere, there is still no word on Callum Wilson’s contract situation. The 33-year-old is officially no longer a Newcastle player after his contract expired at the end of June. However, it was reported that Newcastle have offered Wilson a new deal to keep him on Tyneside for another year.
It does not look like he has accepted that deal, as his future still remains in limbo. While fans wait to see the outcome of Wilson’s contract talks, a new report has confirmed that another player has agreed to a contract extension after his original deal expired.
John Ruddy arrives at St James' Park ahead of a Premier League game between Newcastle United and Chelsea.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
John Ruddy agrees new deal at Newcastle United amid Norwich City links
Despite not playing a single game last season, John Ruddy was still seen as ‘vital’ by Howe at Newcastle. The veteran shot-stopper came in to set an example in training, something he appears to have done very well.
The 38-year-old only signed a one-year deal with the Magpies, and it looks like Ruddy would leave Newcastle after it was confirmed that the club had not yet agreed a new contract with him.
Ruddy was linked with a move back to Norwich City. However, it has been reported by the Chronicle that Newcastle have since come to an agreement with Ruddy over a new deal.
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The report states that Ruddy will be a backup option on Tyneside and continue to work as a mentor for the younger players in training. The feeling was that Howe wanted Ruddy to mentor James Trafford, who is likely to join Newcastle this summer.
Ruddy joins Mark Gillespie as a goalkeeper who has signed an extension with the club this summer. Gillespie has not made a single Premier League appearance since signing in 2020, but he is still recognised as an important part of training.
Callum Wilson’s future remains unclear amid John Ruddy contract update
Wilson was emotional on the St James’ Park pitch on the final day of the season – it was telling. At that point in time, many felt like that was it for Wilson and that he would no longer be a Newcastle player.
However, his contract situation is still up in the air seven days after his release. Newcastle offered Wilson a pay-as-you-play deal. But it has been confirmed that there has been no movement since then.
Wilson spent five memorable years with Newcastle, scoring 49 goals and helping them qualify for the Champions League at the end of the 2022/23 season.
Now 33, many will feel like Wilson is past his best and should move on, but Howe is appearing to insist that there is still a quality player in there.