Geoffroy Bony, the son of former Premier League striker Wilfried Bony, has left Newport County following a brief stint at the League Two club.
His departure comes as part of a mass end-of-season clear-out at Rodney Parade that will see 10 players go through the exit.
It also brings to an end the link with the Bony family after ex-Swansea City hero Wilfried played a handful of training matches for Newport three years ago.
Bony junior, 20, also a forward, joined County in November 2024 on a short-term deal after impressing during a trial period.
But despite high hopes and glowing praise from then-manager Nelson Jardim, Bony made just five appearances in League Two and failed to register a goal.
His most recent start came on 14 December against Colchester.
Bony’s arrival had been welcomed with optimism from County fans but he will leave with little fanfare as another youngster discarded at the end of a chaotic season.
The club confirmed his departure among a list of released players, including forwards Josh Martin, Nathan Wood, and Luke Jephcott.
For Bony, whose professional journey began at Swansea City’s academy, it marks an early crossroads in a career still in its infancy.
READ MORE: David Hughes Set To Take Charge At Newport County As Club Clears Decks For Fresh Start
But with Jardim gone and the club in transition—expected to appoint Manchester United U21s coach David Hughes as the new boss—Bony has been deemed surplus to requirements, having struggled to secure regular minutes in a squad reshaped mid-season.
“Geoffroy and Wilfried are two different players,” Jardim once remarked. “But his dad did a very good job with him. You cannot imagine how well educated Geoffrey is, hard working and humble. It’s a joy to work with him every day.”
But Bony never managed to establish himself as a consistent part of the matchday squad. His exit, along with several other fringe players, signals a tightening of the squad under new leadership.
County’s refresh will see only four players retained - goalkeeper Nick Townsend, defender James Clarke, utility man Shane McLoughlin, and midfielder Aaron Wildig.
The quartet are the only players to have been offered new contracts.
Talks are ongoing with a few others as owner Huw Jenkins and head of football operations Chris Finn look to stabilise the club ahead of next season.
READ MORE: Nelson Jardim Tells Newport County: You’re Safe . . . And I’m Off!
Meanwhile, Leeds United have issued a statement distancing captain Ethan Ampadu from an online image of his son wearing a Galatasaray kit.
The club said the Wales defender was “sensitive to” the potential impact of the picture - which was posted by his former partner - on the families of supporters Christopher Loftus and Kevin Speight, who were murdered in Istanbul in 2000 on the eve of a UEFA Cup game against the Turkish side.
The statement said: “Leeds are aware of an image circulating online of Ethan Ampadu’s son.
“Ethan separated from his partner several months ago and has no responsibility for the image in question.
“Ethan is aware of and sensitive to the tragic loss within the Loftus and Speight families.
“The club asks for Ethan’s privacy to be respected in what is a difficult time for him personally.
“Our captain has been a leader on and off the pitch this season, demonstrating his commitment to the club, its history, and the broader Leeds community. Ethan has the full support of everybody at Leeds.
“The club will be making no further comment.”
READ MORE: Nelson’s Bad Column . . . Newport County Away Wins Tally Is Bad News For Boss Jardim
