Notts County bring in Newport defender Baker

Matt Baker made 144 appearances for Newport County, initially on loan from first club Stoke City before joining the Exiles permanently in 2024 [Getty Images] Central defender Matt Baker has joined Notts County on a two-year contract with the option of another year in the club's favour. 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. "I think here is the perfect place for me," Baker said. "We can get a lot of success going forward in the future and I'm hoping to help towards that." 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. When a player under the age of 24 rejects a new contract to move elsewhere, the two clubs must agree a compensation fee. All done deals in July 2026 All the latest Notts County news