Newcastle United still have some key contract decisions to make ahead of June 30th.
While Newcastle United are not going to lose the likes of Fabian Schar or Emil Krafth on free transfers after extending their deals, there are some players whose situations remain unclear.
Newcastle are in talks with Callum Wilson over an incentivised deal. However, it feels more likely that he will leave the club at the end of the month and become a free agent.
Wilson was emotional after Newcastle’s final game of the season, in what felt like a goodbye for the 33-year-old striker.
Jamal Lewis will leave Newcastle United after five years with the Magpies, while John Ruddy and Mark Gillespie’s futures are up in the air.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Newcastle United to make goalkeeper decision
Newcastle United need to sort out their goalkeeper situation this summer, and it looks like at least one of the current crop is going to leave.
That is according to the Chronicle, who report that the Magpies are not expected to extend Ruddy’s contract at St James’ Park.
The veteran stopper arrived on a free transfer last summer, with Ruddy coming in to support the goalkeeping team and provide valuable experience.
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He has done that, with Eddie Howe calling Ruddy ‘vital’ back in February.
“John has been brilliant behind the scenes,” he said.
“He has fully embraced everything we’ve asked him to do. He’s at youth games. He’s really invested in trying to help people.
“Every player I’m sure he’s used his experience in some way. John has been a vital part of what we’ve done this year.”
Despite such lofty praise, Ruddy’s Newcastle United career looks set to end with zero appearances.
The 38-year-old was an unused substitute on 11 occasions this season, and appears on course to leave the club at the end of June.
Who Newcastle United could replace John Ruddy with
In theory, Newcastle United do not need to replace Ruddy. After all, he has been the Magpies’ fourth choice goalkeeper this season.
But getting him off the books would give the Magpies an opportunity to bring in another stopper who could help them with their return to European football.
Newcastle United need homegrown players trained by the club for their Champions League squad. As it stands, Sean Longstaff is the only Toon player who will contribute towards UEFA’s homegrown quota.
That may force Howe to get creative in the transfer market, with the likes of Tim Krul and Fraser Forster linked with returns to Tyneside after coming through the academy.
With Ruddy on his way out, there is scope for one of those players to arrive.