Ahead of the biggest transfer window in Newcastle’s modern history, we’re expecting to see some big names make their way to the North East over the coming weeks.
But with many new players coming to the club, we’re also going to see a number of names depart.
And that’s in more than just the men’s senior side, as we’ve seen a host of names released from the women’s team, and now the club is saying farewell to six of its academy players.
One of which is a big surprise, having featured in friendlies for the first team and was a particularly prominent player in our recent Premier League 2 campaign.
In a statement published on the club’s website, Newcastle United have confirmed that both **Jay Turner-Cooke** and **Ellis Stanton** are amongst six names whose academy contracts will not be renewed.
The pair are notable for having featured for the first team in some capacity during their tenure, training with the senior side and breaking into Eddie Howe’s squad over previous pre-season programmes.
Turner-Cooke was part of the academy for over four years, and notably featured in our 5-0 win over Al-Hilal to win the Diriyah Season Cup back in December 2022, also scoring in a 3-2 win over Gateshead in 2023.
Stanton meanwhile enjoyed three years in the North East and was part of our team which played against the A-League All Stars in pre-season last year.
Alongside the duo of Turner-Cooke and Stanton are four other academy stars, each with varying degrees of experience earned during their time with us.
From the U-21s, the quartet of **James Huntley**, **Josh Donaldson**, and twin brothers **Harry and Rory Powell** will also depart at the end of their contracts this month.
Huntley’s name may be familiar to Toon fans, as he was named on the bench when we travelled to the Parc des Princes for that controversial 1-1 draw against PSG in the Champions League.
Donaldson’s departure ends a six year stint with the Magpies, having netted two goals for the U-21s this campaign. The Powell twins meanwhile both came through the North East grassroots system, with big games for the U-21s under their belts.
Speaking on the departures, Academy Director Steve Harper expressed immense gratitude for the youngsters and their commitment to the club.
“They have been a credit to themselves, their families and to the club, and they should be immensely proud of everything we’ve achieved.”
“I look forward to seeing where their journeys take them. On behalf of everyone here, we wish them every success for the future.”