- Newcastle United to see change of the guard this summer
- Kieran Trippier departure already confirmed
- Five other players currently set to leave St James’ Park
Newcastle United announced earlier in the week that veteran full-back Kieran Trippier will be leaving the club when his contract expires in the summer.
Trippier isn’t the only name likely to leave St James’ Park this summer, with several other contracts also set to run out in June.
So, let’s take a look at each of the cohort who could be on their way out this summer and assess what their chances are of penning a new contract before the end of the season.
Aaron Ramsdale – loan expiring
Ramsdale is the only one of those leaving at the end of the season who is on loan at the club, and it looks almost certain that his deal won’t be made permanent.
The goalkeeper joined from Southampton in the summer on a season-long loan, with the Magpies needing a backup to challenge Nick Pope’s position as first choice.
This mainly came about after Newcastle United missed out on top target James Trafford to Man City.
Ramsdale has had moments of quality across the season, namely, his performance against Manchester United a few weeks ago.
But, for the most part, the Englishman has struggled to maintain performance levels despite becoming the starter and is expected to return to his parent club.
Fabian Schar – contract expiring
Fabian Schar would be the most emotional departure should he leave; subsequently, he is also the most likely to receive another year on his deal.
Schar has spent most of this season struggling with injury, having suffered a broken ankle in the 4-3 win over Leeds and then a reported foot infection more recently.
The Swiss centre-back has been at the club since the 2018/19 season and has seen the side through both lows and highs.
Whether he receives another contract will likely come down to the club’s ambitions this summer and the importance placed on upgrading the centre-back spot. If recruitment in that area isn’t a big priority, we could see Schar remain at the club for at least another year.
Emil Krafth – contract expiring
Emil Krafth was largely regarded at the very top of the expected list of casualties when the Saudi ownership took over in 2021.
However, the Swede has managed to remain at the club and has emerged as a very solid part of Eddie Howe’s squad in recent years, always doing a job when he steps in to the XI.
Similarly to Schar, Krafth has spent the large majority of this season watching from the sidelines amid an ongoing knee injury.
Reports suggest that Krafth has already been told that his contract will not be renewed and he will be allowed to leave when his deal runs out in June.
Mark Gillespie – contract expiring
Mark Gillespie has arguably the best job in professional football. He is about the 5th choice keeper at Newcastle United and is essentially part of the coaching staff at this point.
The goalkeeper’s contract will likely not be renewed unless he is kept around as a mentoring member of the squad. Gillespie will most likely stay with the club once his contract expires in some capacity, likely as a coach, either with the first team or academy system.
John Ruddy – contract expiring
John Ruddy was brought to Newcastle at the beginning of this season as a free agent and, although he is technically the club’s third-choice goalkeeper, was never really expected to be playing matches.
The 39-year-old was handed a one-year deal when he joined the club, mainly with a view to the experience and knowledge he could bring to both the goalkeeping cohort and the squad as a whole.
For Ruddy to be at the club next season in a playing role, there would likely be something drastic to occur in the goalkeeping department. We could see him stick around in a coaching or mentoring job, but in all likelihood, his contract will be allowed to run out.
In other news, Newcastle United boost as £35m Crystal Palace ‘matchwinner’ suffers training ground injury.
