We can now confirm the club's Retained List following the conclusion of our 2024/25 season.
As announced earlier this evening, club legend Nathan Smith is set to depart after 16 years at Vale Park, having made more than 400 appearances since his first-team debut in 2016. You can read more, including quotes from Darren Moore and Matt Hancock, here.
Tom Sang, Ethan Chislett, Rekeem Harper and Jason Lowe, all of whom played significant roles in helping the club secure an instant return to League One this season, will also leave the club, while Andrew Buah, Dan Jones and Diamond Edwards have also been released.
All departing players leave with the sincere thanks and best wishes of everyone associated with the club.
Port Vale Chief Executive, Matt Hancock, said: "On behalf of everyone at Port Vale, I want to sincerely thank all of the players who are moving on this summer. Each of them has contributed to our journey on the pitch, but just as importantly, they're all fantastic people off the pitch too.
"We’re grateful for the professionalism and commitment they've shown and want to wish them every success in the next chapter of their careers. They’ll always be part of the Port Vale story and will always be welcome at Vale Park.
Players released:
Nathan Smith
Tom Sang
Ethan Chislett
Rekeem Harper
Jason Lowe
Andrew Buah
Dan Jones
Diamond Edwards
Loan deals expired:
Rico Richards
Antwoine Hackford
Jemiah Umolu
Nathan Broome
Finn Ashworth
We are also pleased to confirm that the club has opted to extend the contracts of our Young Player of the Season, Kyle John, fellow first-team defender Jesse Debrah, and Academy goalkeeper Arron Davies. Meanwhile, Mitch Clark remains in discussions over a new deal.
First-team manager, Darren Moore, added: "We're thrilled to have Kyle, Jesse, and Arron committed to the club. They are all young players with bright futures who embody our values, and to keep them here is excellent news for everyone associated with the club.
"We're all looking forward to seeing how they continue to contribute and grow here at Vale Park and are excited to welcome them back for pre-season in later in the summer."
Optional contract extension activated:
Kyle John – duration TBC
Jesse Debrah – duration TBC
Arron Davies – one-year extension triggered
In discussions:
Mitch Clark
Those not listed above remain under contract with the club for the 2025/26 season.