Newcastle release five first-team stars after missing out on Europe

• Newcastle have announced the departure of five first-team players
• The players will leave following the club’s failure to secure European football
• Are Pep’s City the greatest the Premier League has seen? Listen to the It’s All Kicking Off podcast

Newcastle have confirmed the release of five first-team players when their contracts expire next month.

The Magpies finished seventh in the Premier League under Eddie Howe and looked to have secured themselves a spot in the Conference League, but their place in Europe was taken away from them after Manchester United beat Manchester City in the FA Cup on Saturday.

Another European campaign could have seen Howe look to keep some of his experienced stars to ease the workload on his squad, but the North-East outfit have now opted to allow five players to move on.

Paul Dummett, Matt Ritchie, Jeff Hendrick, Loris Karius, Jeff Hendrick and Kell Watts will all leave St James’ Park this summer.

Dummett is the club’s longest-serving player, having joined Newcastle’s academy 24 years ago.

He posted a heartfelt farewell message to fans on social media following the news that he will be leaving.

‘The time has come for me to say goodbye to the club,’ he wrote. ‘I write this message with a heavy heart having been proud to have represented the first team for 12 years, something I never in a million years thought I’d ever achieve.

‘I leave with my head held high and proud of the achievements we’ve had as a team, in my time here.

‘I’d like to thank the Newcastle fans for their support. I can say with pride that every time I’ve stepped on the pitch in the black and white shirt I’ve given it my all.

‘I’m looking forward to being a fan again and to the next chapter of my career, but Newcastle United will always be my home. I’ll always be “one of your own”.’

Dummett, 32, made 213 appearances for Newcastle, helping them return to the Premier League at the first attempt following their relegation from the top flight in 2016. 

Ritchie, has also had a lengthy spell on Tyneside stretching back eight years following his arrival from Bournemouth.

He played 215 times for the club, netting 25 goals along the way. Karius’ stay has been far shorter, with the former Liverpool goalkeeper featuring just twice in his two years at the club. 

One of those outings came in last year’s Carabao Cup final, when he deputised for the suspended Nick Pope, although he was unable to inspire Newcastle to victory as they were beaten 2-0 by Manchester United.

Hendrick and Watts have been on loan at Sheffield Wednesday and Wigan, respectively, this season, and will now look for new clubs after falling out of the first-team picture.