Newcastle United still to decide on Paul Dummett’s future as defender’s contract extension yet to be triggered

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According to Chronicle Live, Newcastle United are still to decide on activating a one-year extension clause in Paul Dummett’s contract.

The defender is currently set to be a free agent from the end of next month when his current terms expire and is hopeful of being awarded a new deal.

Dummett believes he is entering the peak years of his career at 29 and has bounced back from an injury ravished few seasons to start the Toon’s last nine Premier League fixtures, which has seen Steve Bruce’s side lose just twice.

Newcastle hold an option to extend Dummett’s current £35,000-per-week (Spotrac) terms by a further 12-months, but no decision has so far been made with Bruce stating recently that discussions would not begin until top-flight safety was mathematically secured.

“Look, there’ll be discussions going on in the next few weeks, that’s for sure,” the Magpies boss said, via quotes by The Shields Gazette. “Obviously, we’re all aware of Dummy’s situation. Until we get mathematically safe, we won’t have any discussions.”

Dummett likewise has been focusing on Newcastle’s Premier League status and put talk of his contract situation to one side, but is quoted by Chronicle Live as expressing desires to spend his entire career at St. James’ Park.

“It certainly would be lovely to play my full career at Newcastle. But, at the moment, I’m concentrating on keeping Newcastle in the Premier League and trying to finish the season as strongly as we can. Those conversations about keeping me in the club will happen at the right time.”

TBR’s view:

Dummett’s impact can sometimes go under the radar, to the point that Rafa Benitez once named the Wales international as one of the most underappreciated players he has worked with during a Q&A for The Athletic, and lauded him being ‘very clever’.

The Newcastle-born enforcer was also a vital presence in the Toon defence at Leicester City last time out to repeatedly clear danger, which has been a regular tone of his performances since returning to Bruce’s plans in March.

His interceptions were extremely crucial in establishing the platform for Joe Willock to come off the bench and steal a point at Liverpool, and United could regret letting Dummett leave if they decide against extending his 20-year association with the club by another season.