Paul Dummett’s Newcastle United contract is set to expire this summer, but it might not be the end of his Toon career.
It has previously looked like Dummett would leave Newcastle at the end of the season, with no indication that he would be handed a new deal. He signed his most recent contract last summer, agreeing a one-year extension.
But a new report from the Athletic suggests that there is still a chance that the defender could continue to ply his trade at St James’ Park.
Paul Dummett could stay at Newcastle
According to the Athletic, Eddie Howe is considering keeping Dummett at Newcastle beyond this summer.
They could be the lucky two, with the likes of Matt Ritchie, Matty Longstaff, Ciaran Clark and Mark Gillespie likely to depart when their contracts expire this summer.
Two of those players are local lads, and it will be sad to see them go. However, Dummett’s time might not be over yet.
European qualification could impact Dummett future
The big factor that could keep Dummett at the club is European football. Howe will need to name a certain number of players who have come through the academy if his side qualify for Europe, which is looking incredibly likely.
When Newcastle name their 25-man squad for whatever European competition they qualify for, it must include four players who have come through the academy. Sean Longstaff and Elliot Anderson fall into that category, having worked their way through Newcastle’s youth levels. Dan Burn will not, however, having been released by the Magpies at the age of 11.
It might therefore be wise to keep Dummett around, even if he is not going to play. The 31-year-old has barely featured this season, making just one appearance in all competitions. That came as a centre-back in the Carabao Cup second round win over Tranmere Rovers.
In January 2022, Howe stated that Dummett was going to be a ‘massive‘ part of the club’s future, yet he has only made four appearances in total since Steve Bruce departed.
Yet he could be kept on, with Howe pondering a new contract for the defender.
