Hendrick among Newcastle quintet set to be released

Republic of Ireland international Jeff Hendrick is among five players who will leave Newcastle United this summer when their contracts expire.

The Dubliner joined the club from Burnley in 2020 and made a total of 25 league appearances but the 32-year-old has spent the bulk of the last few seasons on loan, namely in the Championship with QPR, Reading and Sheffield Wednesday.

Paul Dummett and Matt Ritchie will also depart Newcastle. The long-serving duo have made a combined 428 competitive appearances for the Magpies, while Dummett is the club’s current longest-serving player after joining the academy 23 years ago.

Newcastle have also announced the pending departures of former Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius and defender Kell Watts.

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said: “It’s easy to judge players by appearances and goals, but the contribution made to the club by Paul and Matt in particular really has been immeasurable over many years.

“They have had a huge influence on our progress as a team and as a club. They have been incredible people and players to work with.

“Their dedication, professionalism and leadership in the dressing room during my time here has been first class, and they will bring undoubted quality and experience to their next clubs.”

Dummett, who has made 215 appearances in all competitions for the Magpies since making his first-team debut in 2013, featured five times in the Premier League this season as a substitute.

Ritchie, signed from Bournemouth in 2016, has made a total of 215 appearances, scoring 25 goals.

The Scotland midfielder made 13 Premier League appearances off the bench this season and scored his last Newcastle goal against former club Bournemouth in February this year to earn Howe’s side a 2-2 draw.

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