Newcastle Jets will be without emerging Australian midfielder Angus Thurgate next season, with the 23-year-old revealed as one of four players departing the club at the conclusion of the 2022-23 campaign.
The Jets confirmed Thurgate’s exit on Saturday, May 6, along with striker Beka Mikeltadze, international recruit Manabu Saitō and Mohamed Al-Taay.
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Newcastle executive chairman Shane Mattiske expressed his disappointment in losing Thurgate after 125 appearances for the club, claiming an offer was tabled to the central midfielder to remain a Jet which would have seen him become “one of the club’s highest earners.”
The central midfielder spent the first six seasons of his career playing for his hometown side, and was named the league’s Young Footballer of the Year after a stellar 2021-22 campaign. He has recently been linked with a move to a rival A-League Men club.
“In relation to Angus, we are really disappointed to lose an important local player despite having worked hard to ensure he stays at this club,” Mattiske said.
“We felt that we made a very strong offer to Angus to stay here at the Jets. Our offer would have seen him become one of the club’s highest earners, however, we understand that his focus is on international opportunities, and if these don’t come in the short term, the ability to experience living in one of Australia’s big cities.
“Ultimately, we have to respect his decision.”
Mikeltadze, meanwhile, bids farewell to the Jets after two seasons, 47 league appearances and 19 goals, including 13 scored in a memorable debut campaign in the Hunter. The Georgian joins Thurgate in heading for the exit door, as well as former Japanese international Saitō (eight appearances, one goal) and midfielder Al-Taay (30 appearances).
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