Newcastle United are not expected to retain goalkeeper John Ruddy ahead of the 2025/26 season.
The experienced former Norwich and Everton stopper signed a one-year deal last summerbut looks set to be released as Newcastle look to tweak their goalkeeper department. The 38-year-old did not make an appearance last term and appeared on the bench as an unused substitute 11 times.
It will not have been a decision taken lightly by manager Eddie Howe, who has praised the impact of Ruddy at the training ground, where he has worked in a leadership capacity with Newcastle’s goalkeepers.
He said: “John has been brilliant behind the scenes, I have to say. I can’t praise people like John enough. John has come into the football club and he has fully embraced everything we do.
“He is here for youth games and reserve games. He has really invested in trying to help people. Every player I am sure he has touched in some way. John has been a vital part of what we have done this year.”
Newcastle have had five senior goalkeepers on their books and Howe had admitted that the department was congested this season.
Former Burnley stopper Nick Pope has made it clear that he wants to stay and fight to be No 1 at the club after an enquiry from Leeds United this week.
Newcastle have been linked with both James Trafford and Aaron Ramsdale in recent weeks but a big decision would need to be made on the club’s other contracted keepers in the next few weeks.
Howe said last month: “We will take a view on that. The goalkeeper situation has been slightly difficult this year.
