Newcastle United have announced the departure of six youth players once their contracts expire on June 30.
Jay Turner-Cooke thanked Newcastle United while looking towards the future ahead of his expected release.
A club statement yesterday confirmed six academy stars will leave when their contracts expire on June 30. Turner-Cooke - who arrived from bitter rivals Sunderland in 2021 - is heading for the exit alongside Ellis Stanton, James Huntley, Josh Donaldson, Harry Powell and Rory Powell.
A regular fixture in Diarmuid O'Carroll’s under-23 setup, Turner-Cooke’s father, John, was a former Sunderland player and kit man. He arrived as a 17-year-old and enjoyed loan spells at Tranmere Rovers and St Johnstone.
Highlights as a youth player include playing for the first team in a friendly against Al-Hilal during the World Cup break and scoring against Gateshead last year. Unfortunately for Turner-Cooke, the fast-paced nature of St James’ Park life since the Saudi-backed takeover blocked his path for opportunities.
Jay Turner-Cooke relishing next challenge
The 21-year-old will now look for a new club and rebuild his fledgling career elsewhere. Writing on social media, Turner-Cooke paid tribute to the staff and players at Newcastle while relishing his next challenge.
Thank you @NUFC, 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⚽️💫 #nufc pic.twitter.com/8AN6vxAVmY
— Jay Turner-Cooke (@Jayturnercooke7) June 6, 2025
“Thank youNewcastle,” he wrote. “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.”
Newcastle United academy statement
“Newcastle United’s Academy will bid farewell to six players this summer when their contracts come to an end,” an announcement read. “Jay Turner-Cooke and Ellis Stanton, who both featured in friendlies for the first team, are among those set for release.
“Turner-Cooke joined Newcastle from Sunderland in January 2021 and made his first senior appearance for the Magpies against Al-Hilal in December 2022 before scoring during a 3-2 pre-season victory against Gateshead the following summer, netting the winning strike at the Gateshead International Stadium. Midfielder Stanton, meanwhile, broke into the Magpies' under-21 squad during the latter stages of the 2021/22 campaign before appearing against the A-League All Stars in May 2024.
“Also departing at Under-21s level are James Huntley, Josh Donaldson and Harry and Rory Powell. Huntley was named on the bench of a senior matchday squad for the first time during Newcastle's UEFA Champions League trip to Paris Saint-Germain in November 2023.
“Donaldson, who joined the club in 2019, scored on his under-21s debut during a Premier League Cup clash against Huddersfield Town at the John Smith’s Stadium before netting twice in 17 appearances in the 2024/25 season. Rory Powell who, like twin brother Harry, joined Newcastle’s youth set-up after playing for Red House Farm and Gateshead FC Juniors, scored in Newcastle’s 7-2 victory against Leyton Orient in an FA Youth Cup third-round clash in December 2023 before going on to make his under-21s bow against Sunderland in March 2024.”
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Steve Harper gives Newcastle United send-off
Academy director Steve Harper also sent his best wishes after the six players were released. He told the club website: "I want to extend my gratitude to all the players who are moving on from the Academy. Their commitment and growth - both as footballers and individuals - reflect the dedication they have shown throughout their time representing Newcastle United.
"They have been a credit to themselves, their families and to the club and they should be immensely proud of everything they’ve achieved. Our support doesn’t stop here. The Academy remains a resource for them as they take the next steps in their careers, and I look forward to seeing where their journeys take them. On behalf of everyone here, we wish them every success for the future."
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