Paul Dummett has signed a new long-term contract that will keep him at Newcastle until 2022, with manager Rafa Benitez describing the defender as ‘important for the team’.
The 26-year-old has made over 100 appearances for his boyhood club since making his senior debut for United in January 2013 and his recent return from a four month injury lay-off has coincided with an upturn in form for Newcastle.
Speaking to the official club website after the deal had been announced, Dummett reveals he always wanted to continue his career at St James’ Park.
“It’s my boyhood club and I’ve been a supporter for many years so to extend my stay at the club for even longer is really important to me,” he said.
“I’ve always wanted to stay here and the manager and the club have wanted to keep me so I’m really pleased to have signed the new contract and hopefully there are many more years to come.”
Dummett’s return from a hamstring problem has seen Newcastle win three and draw four of their last nine games, losing only twice to Premier League leaders Manchester City, and Benitez was full of praise for the left-back.
“If you talk about players that are important for the team, normally people talk about goal scorers, midfielders and number tens, but in modern football, there are not too many consistent left-sided full-backs,” the Magpies manager explained.
“Paul is exactly that. He understands the game and you know what you can expect from him week in, week out.
“That’s important when you have a lot of big games — he’s a player you can trust.
