Newport County have announced that captain Matt Baker has left the League Two club to “pursue a new challenge.”

The 23-year-old centre-back was a key figure in the Exiles avoiding relegation to the National League after stepping up to the role of captain.

The former Wales Under-21 international was offered a new contract by Newport but will move on at the end of his current deal.

It follows the departure of Bobby Kamwa, who has also left at the end of his contract.

Baker and Kamwa have decided to leave County, who last month announced that they were also in talks with defenders Cameron Evans and Ciaran Brennan and midfielders Michael Spellman and Keenan Patten.

“Newport County can confirm that Matt Baker has decided to explore new opportunities after turning down an improved contract offer at Rodney Parade,” read a club statement

Baker returned to Newport County in July 2024, signing a permanent two-year deal after two successful loan spells with the Exiles.

Born in Kent, Baker began his football journey with Gillingham, where he spent a decade before joining Stoke City in 2021, captaining their Under-21 side in Premier League 2.

He first joined Newport on loan in January 2023, making 18 appearances and helping the club secure their League Two status. A return loan in the 2023–24 season followed, during which he featured regularly with 39 appearances.

Impressed by his performances, Newport secured Baker’s permanent signature in July 2024. During the 2024–25 season, he made 45 appearances in all competitions and scored five goals from defence, demonstrating a significant attacking threat and adding a new dimension to his game.

Internationally, Baker qualifies for Wales through his grandmother from Narberth. He has captained Wales at U17, U19, and U21 levels and earned a call-up to the senior national team in June 2024, without making his senior debut.

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