Newcastle fans slam 'joke' decision as Premier League club announces retained list
Newcastle United have released their end-of-season retained list – and it’s divided the fanbase.
Newcastle had a successful 2024/25 campaign, finishing the season with a Carabao Cup and Champions League qualification to show for their efforts.
Sandro Tonali and Alexander Isak were the two standouts during the season, and both will likely be playing their football on Tyneside come next season.
However, decisions have been made regarding several Magpies stars.
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On Friday afternoon (June 6), the club released their official retained list via their website.
“Callum Wilson and John Ruddy are set to be out of contract at the end of June, however, the club has opened discussions with both players about their futures, and new contracts could still be agreed,” the statement read.
“Jamal Lewis will depart St. James’ Park upon the expiry of his contract this summer.
“Meanwhile, Lloyd Kelly’s loan move to Juventus will become a permanent transfer for an undisclosed fee on 30th June.
“All other first team players are retained, with an option activated to retain goalkeeper Mark Gillespie following recent contract extensions for Fabian Schär, Emil Krafth and Dan Burn.”
Fans’ opinions were divided about the prospect of Wilson, 33, potentially remaining at the club despite struggling with injury issues in recent years.
The England international failed to score in his 18 Premier League appearances in the 2024/25 campaign.
One fan said: “Wilson is a ridiculous choice. It also casts doubt on a homegrown GK coming in and Sean Longstaff leaving. All a bit odd.”
A second added: “Just let Wilson go, he literally said his goodbyes to the fans.”
While a third explained: “Utter joke that, every squad space is vital for a European season. We need a fit, active striker to rotate Isak.”
Wilson discussed his struggles when he spoke on High Performance last month.
"You go from being first-choice striker to then being second-choice striker,” Wilson said.
"Every game, there is not even a contest on who starts at the moment, and rightly so. In my absence over the last 18 months, Alex has just gone to another level, which is fantastic for the team. It's helped us improve so much.
"Then obviously my role changes and you have to put your pride and ego to the side, put the team first and know what the team needs in that moment. If I can't be a big part on the pitch, what can you do off it? How can you help other players? How can you still be you without acting and being disappointed?
"It's difficult, but I think I'm getting the balance right. I've gone through dips and all sorts of emotions, especially being out of contract in the summer.
"There's a lot of emotions throughout this season that have been different challenges to face and new challenges that I've never faced before."
Topics: Newcastle United, Premier League, Football, Callum Wilson, Transfer News, Alexander Isak, Sandro Tonali
Luke Davies