Newcastle announce SIX exits, Ramsdale return and Gillespie deal - Official retained list

Newcastle United have released their retained list for the summer of 2026 this afternoon.

With the season over and all eyes turning to what promises to be a busy few months of ins and outs, we now have clarity on the future of EIGHT senior players.

Exits for Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth have already been confirmed, as has a new one-year deal for Fabian Schar, but official confirmation has landed this afternoon as the club bid farewell to six senior players in total.

Targett, Ruddy and Ramsdale depart 

Newcastle United have announced that John Ruddy, Matt Targett and Max Thompson have joined Trippier and Krafth in departing the club this summer.

All five were out of contract and will not have those deals renewed, while Newcastle also confirmed that Aaron Ramsdale is returning to Southampton following his loan spell on Tyneside.

An option to buy was included in his loan-to-buy switch from the Saints last summer, but the club will not pursue that purchase option, instead targeting other goalkeeper options.

Targett's release comes after his season-long loan at Middlesbrough over the past season, while goalkeepers Ruddy and Thompson did not appear for the first-team over 2025/26.

Gillespie stays in squad role 

As for those staying at St James' Park, goalkeeper Mark Gillespie has been retained for another season.

The 34-year-old has been praised by Eddie Howe for his work ethic and attitude behind the scenes, driving standards and supporting the goalkeeping department in training.

He joins Fabian Schar in penning a one-year extension at the club, with his stay no surprise now we've just said goodbye to Ramsdale, Ruddy and Thompson.

Two goalkeepers could yet arrive this summer, with the club eyeing a long-term replacement for Nick Pope and a younger stopper with one eye on the future.