Jamal Lewis’ departure was initially noted in Newcastle’s retained list earlier this month, and it’s now official as his contract expired on June 30.
Meanwhile, John Ruddy and Callum Wilson also saw their contracts end on June 30, but the club had already revealed that talks were ongoing with both players and new agreements were still possible.
That was on June 6. Now we’re in July, both players are officially free agents and can join any club on a free transfer.
Leeds United have been strongly linked with a move for Wilson and could make a swift approach now that the striker is a free agent. However, other clubs, including West Ham United and Everton, are also reportedly interested in the nine-time England international.
Wilson has netted 141 goals in 392 club appearances, with most of his career spent in the Premier League. Although a potential switch to the Championship has been mentioned, the 33-year-old is determined to stay in the top tier.
Newcastle are expected to issue an updated statement soon regarding the futures of both Wilson and Ruddy following the expiration of their contracts.
Newcastle’s retained list, released on June 6, stated:
“Newcastle United confirms its retained players for the men’s first team ahead of the 2025/26 season.
“Callum Wilson and John Ruddy are approaching the end of their contracts in June, but the club is in talks with both players and there remains a possibility of agreeing new deals.
“Jamal Lewis will leave St. James’ Park once his contract expires this summer.
“In addition, Lloyd Kelly’s loan to Juventus will be made permanent on June 30 for an undisclosed fee.”
Jamal Lewis’ exit was essentially sealed last summer when he joined São Paulo in Brazil on loan for the final year of his contract, with an option to make the move permanent at no cost.
However, São Paulo chose not to activate the option and ended Lewis’ loan early after just half a season due to injury.
Lewis has yet to feature in a competitive game in 2025 as he continues his recovery, and he is now free to sign with a new club.
The 27-year-old arrived at Newcastle from Norwich City in 2020 for £15 million but departs as a free agent after making just 36 first-team appearances over five years.
Wilson joined Newcastle from AFC Bournemouth in 2020 for £20 million and justified the fee by scoring 49 goals in 130 appearances. He played a key role in helping the club stay in the Premier League and later hit a personal best of 18 league goals during the 2022/23 season, which helped secure Champions League qualification.
Despite injuries hampering his contribution over the past 18 months, Wilson leaves a lasting impression as a prolific No. 9 for Newcastle.
The club had the option to extend his contract through to June 2026 but chose not to exercise it. Instead, discussions were held over a potential new deal on reduced terms, though no agreement was reached.
Newly promoted Leeds United are reportedly interested in signing Wilson this summer as they aim to strengthen their attacking lineup. With the striker now officially released by Newcastle, Leeds — or any other club — are free to secure his services on a free transfer.
