Credit: Imago, Newcastle United

Oliver Walton

Sat 30 May 2026 20:00, UK

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Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes has reached out to John Ruddy after the veteran goalkeeper confirmed his exit from the club on social media.

The Magpies endured a disappointing 2025-26 campaign and ultimately finished 12th in the Premier League last weekend.

Several top stars, such as Anthony Gordon and Kieran Trippier, have already moved on or confirmed their upcoming departure from St James’ Park this summer.

Back-up keeper Ruddy has been expected to leave the club at the end of his contract over the last few months, and has now announced his exit on Instagram.

Newcastle’s transfer plans are set to involve signing several stoppers to bolster Eddie Howe’s ranks, with just two senior keepers on their books for next season as it stands.

Bruno Guimaraes among Newcastle stars to reach out as John Ruddy pens emotional exit message

Ruddy joined Newcastle in 2024 on a one-year contract after leaving Birmingham City following their relegation to League One.

The 39-year-old was set to leave at the end of 2024-25, but stayed on as the Magpies’ fourth-choice keeper for this season and failed to feature in a competitive match.

Ruddy has now taken to Instagram to confirm that he will leave St James’ at the end of his contract this summer, saying: “Geordies…thank you for welcoming me and my family to your club. The last photo says it perfectly. So fortunate to meet and work alongside amazing people.”

Several Newcastle stars responded to his message, as the likes of Guimaraes, Nick Woltemade and Lewis Miley each left two red heart emojis.

Lewis Hall replied saying: “What a guy,” while Tino Livramento also commented: “Thanks for everything,” with a handshake emoji.

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Ruddy was clearly well-liked by his peers and will be tough for Howe to replace despite not making an impact on on-field events.

The Magpies boss will need to make several additions to his keeper ranks as Aaron Ramsdale returns to his parent club, Southampton, and Mark Gillespie also prepares to leave at the end of his contract.

Sources have revealed to Football Insider that Newcastle are close to two new signings after Gordon’s exit was confirmed, with The Chronicle recently reporting that Ewen Jaouen is set to join soon.

The 20-year-old currently plies his trade between the sticks for Ligue 2 side Reims and kept 15 clean sheets in 34 league games last term.