Newcastle United have confirmed their retained list, and a player Eddie Howe thought was a “real talent” is set to depart.
Next season promises to be a huge one for Howe, who will lead Newcastle United back into the Champions League.
Still, there needs to be a changing of the guard. Newcastle haven’t signed a first-team player since the summer of 2023, but now look to be in a position to do so again.
Part of that rebuild, however, involves players leaving. Newcastle confirmed their retained list on Friday, and Jamal Lewis is the most high-profile departure at this stage. Callum Wilson and John Ruddy, meanwhile, remain in contract talks.
There’s also a host of youngsters leaving. Newcastle have confirmed Jay Turner-Cooke will leave the club this summer, along with James Huntley, Josh Donaldson, Ellis Stanton and Harry and Rory Powell.
After the news was confirmed, Turner-Cooke took to Instagram.
Photo by Harriet Massey/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Photo by Harriet Massey/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Jay Turner-Cooke sends message after Newcastle United release
Howe once hailed Turner-Cooke as a “real talent”, but first-team chances never really came for him and Newcastle United’s official website confirmed a departure was imminent.
The midfielder played in a couple of pre-season games for the senior team but never made his competitive debut after joining from Sunderland in January 2021.
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He spent time out on loan at Tranmere Rovers and St Johnstone but will leave on a free transfer this summer.
The 21-year-old posted a collage of images taken from his time at the club and captioned it: “Thank you to the staff and players I’ve met along the way I’ve loved playing and working alongside you.
“Excited for what’s next.”
Why Newcastle United will need to lean on their academy more next season
Newcastle have some exciting young players in their academy, with the likes of Sean Neave, Alfie Harrison and Garang Kuol impressing at youth level this season.
Howe has confirmed he will give young players a chance at Newcastle, and he’ll surely need to next season.
Indeed, the Champions League adds more games to the schedule. The Newcastle United manager will be expected to go deep in every competition next season, so will need all hands on deck.
While difficult to imagine any of the young players suddenly playing a starring role, developing them on the training pitch is a way to bolster Howe’s options without having to spend in the transfer market.
At some point next season, injuries will bite. Newcastle need their youngsters ready to go.