Sad news: Newcastle United confirming the departure of five players today:
Newcastle United Confirm Departure of Five Players as Contract Expirations Take Effect
27 July 2025 – Newcastle upon Tyne — Newcastle United have officially announced that five first-team players will leave the club following the expiry of their contracts on 30 June 2025, as revealed in their recently published 2025‑26 retained list .
⚫ The Departing Five
According to the club statement, the players whose contracts were not renewed and who will depart St. James’ Park are:
- Callum Wilson, striker
- John Ruddy, goalkeeper
- Jamal Lewis, left-back
- Josh Donaldson, academy forward
- James Huntley, academy midfielder
- Harry Powell and Rory Powell, academy defenders
- Ellis Stanton, academy attacking midfielder
- Jay Turner‑Cooke, academy midfielder
Actually, that totals eight players across both senior and youth ranks—but the club confirmed five first-team members departing as well as several academy players .
🌟 Senior Departures: Spotlight on Wilson, Ruddy, and Lewis
- Callum Wilson leaves after five years at Newcastle. Since joining from Bournemouth in September 2020 for around £20 million, he scored 49 goals in 130 appearances. Wilson was instrumental in key campaigns, including the 2022‑23 season where he netted 18 goals to propel Newcastle into the Champions League. He also lifted the Carabao Cup in March 2025. In his farewell message, he reflected on his pride in wearing the number 9 shirt and thanked the fans for their support .
- John Ruddy, the veteran goalkeeper, joined the Magpies in July 2024 from Birmingham City but never made a competitive first-team appearance. Ruddy nonetheless provided experience and a positive presence behind the scenes. Talks were held about his future, but no new deal materialised by the expiry date .
- Jamal Lewis, the Northern Irish left-back, joined from Norwich in 2020 and made 36 appearances. After loan spells at Watford and São Paulo, he returned mid‑season but was not retained beyond June 2025 .
🧒 Academy Exits: Next Chapter for Young Prospects
Newcastle’s official academy announcement confirmed several young talents who have moved on: Josh Donaldson, James Huntley, Harry & Rory Powell, Ellis Stanton, and Jay Turner‑Cooke. These players were part of the club’s academy system and have not been offered new contracts as Newcastle reshapes its youth ranks .
💬 Club Statements: Gratitude and Best Wishes
Head coach Eddie Howe praised the professionalism and unwavering dedication of the departing players. He especially highlighted Wilson’s leadership and impact, and acknowledged Lewis’s consistency and contribution over multiple seasons, saying they will “bring undoubted experience” to their future clubs .
Newcastle CEO Darren Eales offered his thanks on behalf of the club: “We extend sincere thanks to all players leaving the club this summer and wish them the best for the next step in their careers.”
📦 Looking Ahead: New Signings and Squad Restructure
In contrast to these departures, Newcastle have been active in the transfer market. They have signed winger Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest for £55 million and secured young talent Antonio Cordero on a free transfer from Málaga, with both likely to bolster the squad ahead of the 2025‑26 campaign .
Meanwhile, star striker Alexander Isak has become the centre of attention amid speculation of a potential high‑value transfer, with Liverpool and Arsenal both monitored as prospective suitors—a dynamic that adds further pressure on Newcastle’s summer window .
Newcastle’s decision to release these players reflects a strategic evolution under new ownership, aiming to refresh the squad, manage financial sustainability, and prepare for forthcoming challenges—both domestically and in Europe.
