The Premier League has published Newcastle United’s retained and released lists.
Newcastle United have rewarded six players with one-year contract extensions ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.
The Magpies published their first-team and academy retained list on Friday, which confirmed a new deal for goalkeeper Mark Gillespie. Now, a Premier League statement has revealed extensions for five under-21s players.
Premier League confirm new contracts for six Newcastle United players
The Premier League published the retained list of all 20 clubs. Under the Newcastle section, Gillespie, Cathal Heffernan, Darren Palmer, Ben Parkinson, Ciaran Thompson and Max Thompson all had ‘extension’ written next to their name.
Heffernan joined the Magpies following his departure from AC Milan in August 2023. The 20-year-old captained the under-21s last season and regularly played alongside Ciaran Thompson at centre-back.
Palmer made a handful of appearances for the under-21s while injuries limited Parkinson’s game time. Parkinson, a striker who made his Premier League debut away to AFC Bournemouth in November 2023, was in superb goalscoring form during the first half of the season and was due to head out on loan only to pick up a long-term injury in the New Year.
Meanwhile, Max Thompson spent last term on loan at League Two side Chesterfield. Prior to that, the goalkeeper enjoyed a spell in League One with Northampton Town.
Newcastle United still to decide on the future of two players
After confirming the exits of Jamal Lewis, Jay Turner-Cooke, Ellis Stanton, James Huntley, Josh Donaldson and twin brothers Harry and Rory Powell, Newcastle said they have “opened discussions” with Callum Wilson and John Ruddy “about their futures and new contracts could still be agreed”.
The Premier League listed Wilson and Ruddy on their ‘released’ and ‘free transfers’ list, though stressed that does not mean a final decision on their futures has been made.
“Please note, players who will be signified as a "free transfer" or "released" will have their contracts expire on 30 June 2025 but could still remain at that club if a new contract is entered into, so this list should not be seen as definitive for players leaving their club,” the statement read.
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“Please also note a player's status may have changed since the lists were submitted.”
Wilson appeared to bid an emotional farewell to fans after the final game of the campaign against Everton just over a fortnight ago.
The 33-year-old has scored 49 goals in 130 appearances since joining from AFC Bournemouth in 2020 but has endured a frustrating season with injuries, restricting him to just three starts. His only goal came in the FA Cup fourth round win away to Birmingham City, while his last Premier League goal was over a year ago in May 2024.
Wilson’s limited appearances means he did not automatically trigger a one-year extension. Newcastle have also passed up the option, instead entering talks over an incentive-based contract.
Ruddy joined on a free transfer from Birmingham City last summer and while he has never made a first-team appearances, the 37-year-old has been heavily praised for setting standards on the training pitch.
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