Newport County Defender Leaves for Notts County

Newport County defender Matt Baker has joined Notts County on a two-year contract, leaving the Exiles after three and a half years. The 23-year-old, who came through the Stoke City academy, spent three and a half years with Newport County before leaving as a free agent this summer.

Why it Matters for Newport County

The departure of Matt Baker is a significant loss for Newport County, who will need to find a replacement for their former club captain. The Welshman turned down a new contract with Newport, where he was club captain, and the Magpies - newly-promoted to League One - have agreed an undisclosed compensation package with the Exiles due to his age.

What Comes Next?

Newport County will need to regroup and find a way to replace Baker's defensive presence. The team's next fixture is against Salford City at home on 2027-02-09, where they currently sit 24th in the table.

Newport County defender Matt Baker has joined Notts County on a two-year contract, leaving the Exiles after three and a half years. The 23-year-old, who came through the Stoke City academy, spent three and a half years with Newport County before leaving as a free agent this summer. Baker was club captain at Newport County and turned down a new contract with the team to join Notts County.

The Magpies have agreed an undisclosed compensation package with Newport County due to Baker's age. When a player under the age of 24 rejects a new contract to move elsewhere, the two clubs must agree a compensation fee. This is a significant loss for Newport County, who will need to find a replacement for their former club captain.

Newport County's next fixture is against Salford City at home on 2027-02-09, where they currently sit 24th in the table.