Newcastle United co-owner Mehrdad Ghodoussi has paid tribute to the five Toon players leaving the club this summer.
The Magpies have released their retained list following the conclusion of the 2023/24 season, and there are no major surprises with five Newcastle United players not offered contract extensions.
The biggest names to depart are Matt Ritchie and Paul Dummett, with the latter issuing an emotional farewell on Instagram following the announcement.
They are the only two players that Eddie Howe considered keeping, but that decision was no longer viable once it was confirmed that Newcastle would not be in Europe next season.
That is why Dummett and Ritchie are set to be released, and they will be joined by Loris Karius, Kell Watts and Jeff Hendrick.
It is no surprise to see the latter trio depart. Karius’ exit has been rumoured for months, with the goalkeeper looking to get a new club in Italy. As for Hendrick and Watts, they made just one competitive appearance between them following Howe’s arrival as manager.
Mehrdad Ghodoussi sends message to departing Newcastle United players
While they have not featured much, Mehrdad Ghodoussi has thanked them for their efforts at Newcastle United as he sends a message to the five players that are leaving.
Ghodoussi has taken to X to show his support, giving special mentions to Dummett and Ritchie as they say their goodbyes to the Toon Army.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for your dedication and service to the club over the years,” he wrote.
“A special thanks goes to Paul, one of our own. For him, it wasn’t just a job; it was living his dream, playing for his boyhood club.
“I also want to extend my deepest thanks to Matt, who has been an incredible example of professionalism both on and off the pitch.
“We will miss you all dearly, and you will always hold a special place in our hearts.”
Dummett and Ritchie will be the biggest misses at Newcastle
It is only fair that Ghodoussi took time to deliver personal messages to Dummett and Ritchie. They have been part of the Newcastle United squad ever since PIF bought the club in October 2021, and have played an important role in helping the Magpies on their journey.
While they have not been major players on the pitch, their roles off it cannot be understated. Eddie Howe has always taken the chance to credit the pair for their contributions, and even described Ritchie as an ‘inspiration’ earlier this year.
They have helped create the culture that has helped Newcastle grow, at a time when mega money names with big egos could have arrived and upset the dressing room. Howe has leaned on the players who ‘get it’, and that is a big part of why his Magpies side have kicked on so much.
The others also played their part when called upon at Newcastle
However, the other three players will also leave Newcastle United with everyone’s best wishes.
Karius’ Toon career ends with just two appearances, both of which were defeats in the capital. He almost became a Newcastle legend, having started the Carabao Cup final last year. Sadly, the German stopper could not inspire the club towards ending its trophy drought.
As for Hendrick, he made just one more appearance for Newcastle after Eddie Howe replaced Steve Bruce as manager. But he will always be a great quiz question answer, being the final player to score for Newcastle United during the Mike Ashley era.
Finally, we have got Kell Watts, who made just one senior appearance for Newcastle United. That came when Bruce was in charge. But Howe was fond of Watts, although the club probably grew too fast for him to ever have a genuine chance of featuring regularly after the takeover.
For all five players, it will be interesting to see where they end up next, with Ghodoussi wishing them the best as they prepare to become free agents.
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