Christian Atsu headlines a host of names who have been released from Newcastle United ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.
The clubs final retained list at first-team is yet to be released, but the 29-year-old Ghanaian has already announced he’ll be leaving this month – along with a host of U23 players who’ve officially been let go by the club this week.
Atsu posted an emotional message on social media thanking the Toon Army for their continued support throughout his five years at the club.
“When I arrived in Newcastle almost 5 years ago, I was made to feel welcome from the start..by everyone at the club and especially by the fans. I grew to love the city and my young family feel very at home here.
“Sadly, the time has now come for me to leave the club, so I just wanted to say a big thank you to everyone who is part of the Newcastle Utd family.
“Thank you to the Toon Army fans, a lot of whom I’ve met around the city. I will never forget my time in the North East and for sure I will follow the results every week.
“Thank you my Geordie staff, players & fans, it’s been a pleasure!”
His next destination is likely to be in the Championship or the Middle East, with Huddersfield and Saudi outfit Al Hilal said to be interested.
Elsewhere, 15 youngsters – across U18 and U23 level – have also been released from the youth setup as our academy prepares for the new campaign.
See the list in full below, with Saint-Maximin’s mate – Florent Indalecio – former U23 skipper Owen Bailey, ex-Chelsea midfielder Kyle Scott, giant CB Ludwig Francillette and Swiss striker Yannick Toure all departing:
- Owen Bailey
- Ludwig Francillette
- Florent Indalecio
- Kyle Scott
- Yannick Touré
- Oliver Walters
- Lucas Gamblin
- Tom Midgley
- Jude Swailes
- Oliver Marshall
- George Rounsfell
- Josh Gilchrist
- Lewis Brannen
- Josh Harrison
- Tai Ebanks
However, there was some good news for other NUFC youngsters who kept their place at the club after impressing in our development squads last year.
Our retained list of youngsters is as follows, with Liberian talent Mo Sangare, England youth international Adam Wilson and Geordie striker Dylan Stephenson one of 10 to land new contract offers:
- Mo Sangare
- Adam Wilson
- Oisin McEnte
- Ryan Barrett
- Will Brown
- Lucas De Bolle
- Dylan Stephenson
- Josh Scott
- Nathan Carlyon
- Joe Oliver
Good luck to all those leaving the club – whether it be Atsu or the 15 youngsters now searching for new clubs – and congratulations to the 10 who’ve been lucky enough to land new deals!
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