Benitez’s thanks to departing Magpies
NEWCASTLE United manager Rafa Benitez has wished Massadio Haidara and Jesus Gamez “the best” for the rest of their careers after the Magpies confirmed the duo will leave this summer.
The Magpies released their retained list yesterday, which confirmed three first-team players will depart – with Curtis Good also on the move following six years on Tyneside.
Gamez (inset right) confirmed his own departure earlier i n the week by thanking Newcastle fans in a social media post, while Haidara has also been in negotiations with French outlet Lens over a free transfer.
Haidara was blighted by injuries during his fiveand-a-half-year Newcastle career, but the 25-yearold will hope for a fresh start back France if he can secure a move to the Ligue 2 outfit.
Meanwhile, Gamez is likely to return to Spain after disappointing during his two-year stay at St James’ Park, during which time the 33-year-old made just seven league appearances. Seemingly, despite their lack of gametime during Benitez’s tenure, the United manager has still been impressed by the released trio’s commitment. The Spaniard said: “I would like to say thank you to the players who are leaving us this summer for their hard work and commitment while with the club. Letting players go is always a difficult decision and I wish each of them only the best for their football careers.” The club have also confirmed a major shake-up of the Under-23 set-up will take place this summer after 18 second-string players were released. Newcastle are actively looking to sign a significant number of youngsters to bolster their reserve ranks. Benitez is keen for the Under-23 side to improve in quality and provide genuine back up to his first-team squad, so all those who United do not consider to have a future at the club have been allowed to leave. Promising forward Luke Charman and exciting winger Cal Roberts are two players Newcastle still hold hopes for, and both have been offered new deals.
Winger Alex Gilliead, meanwhile, is in negotiations with United about potentially signing a new contract too.
But there are some notable Under-23 players who will be released – including striker Tom Heardman, defender Macaulay Gillesphey, centre-back Stuart Findlay and goalkeepers Brendan Pearson and Paul Woolston.
Winger Yasin Ben El-Mhanni is also leaving Newcastle. The investigation into coach Peter Beardsley’s alleged unfair treatment of the winger has yet to be finalised, but El-Mhanni has not been offered a new deal by the Magpies.
In the youth ranks, Newcastle have also offered professional contracts to six of their scholars – including England Under-18 leftback Adam Wilson and midfielder Matthew Longstaff, who is the brother of United Under-23 No 10 Sean.