Newcastle United reportedly agree one-year extension for out-of-contract player as squad returns to training
Newcastle United had several players' contracts expire last week, and while there has been little communication from the club in that regard, a report today has suggested that at least one man has put pen to paper on a new deal.
While most players were expected to leave the club when their contract expired, John Ruddy and Callum Wilson were offered new deals to stay at St James' Park.
Wilson was reportedly offered an incentivised deal, which we believe would be a pay-as-you-play arrangement, but with other clubs keen on the £20 million former Bournemouth man, it seems that the striker is assessing his options; however, it's believed he rejected the incentivised offer to stay at Newcastle, but talks are continuing.
Meanwhile, The Chronicle is reporting that Ruddy has signed on for another year despite having offers from lower down the football pyramid.
John Ruddy has signed up for another year at Newcastle United
Ruddy was brought in for free last summer to help mentor the current and upcoming crop of goalkeepers, and he even found himself ahead of Mark Gillespie and £20 million signing Odysseas Vlachodimos in the pecking order, having taken up a spot on the bench on several occasions.
Eddie Howe praised the 38-year-old's contribution behind the scenes last season and was keen to retain his services again.
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 could find themselves with six goalkeepers next season
Newcastle are still working on a deal to bring in James Trafford from Burnley this summer, and if that goes through, that leaves Eddie Howe with six goalkeepers. Nick Pope has vowed to stay and fight for his place, and Martin Dubravka has been on the verge of leaving many times but still remains on the books. Mark Gillespie is still around, and Odysseas Vlachodimos, the £20 million PSR-buster, is also still here.
We expect that Dubravka will finally move on, and there could be a loan move in the offing for Vlachodimos, but if those moves don't come off and the Trafford one does, then that's quite the mess we've got ourselves in.
Perhaps if Ruddy is retained but not registered, that could make sense. We can see the value of having him around on the training ground and for the reserves, but we surely don't need to register so many 'keepers next season.
