Hernes, 20, spent the 2025-26 campaign on loan at Groningen, making 11 appearances as the Dutch side finished ninth in the Eredivisie.
The Norway youth international joined Newcastle United from Shrewsbury Town in September 2023, having already made a name for himself at the Shropshire club by scoring on his professional debut — aged 16 — in an EFL Trophy tie against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Despite appearing on the bench for the FA Cup tie against Fulham at Craven Cottage in January 2024 and featuring in a Premier League matchday squad during Newcastle's 3-1 win over Aston Villa that same month, Hernes was unable to force his way into the first-team picture. Groningen have now secured him on a permanent basis for an undisclosed fee.
Among the departing academy players, midfielder Ciaran Thompson and goalkeeper Alfie Harrison are the most prominent — both having featured in first-team friendlies. Thompson joined Newcastle's academy at 13 and signed his first professional contract in 2023, later appearing in a post-season friendly against Tottenham Hotspur in Melbourne in May 2024.
Harrison arrived from Manchester City in February 2024 and appeared in the Sela Cup against Stade Brestois in August 2024, as well as in pre-season fixtures against Espanyol and Atlético de Madrid.
Also departing are striker Joe Brayson, who began his academy journey in 2015 and scored his first senior goal on loan at Morpeth Town in January; defender Darren Palmer, a South Shields-born product who made his Premier League 2 debut against Sunderland in March 2024; goalkeeper James Taylor, who joined from Hemel Hempstead Town and made ten Under-21 appearances this season; and defender Thomas Bryant, who made six appearances across all competitions in 2025-26.
Academy director Steve Harper paid tribute to the departing players. "They have all made positive contributions during their time here and they are all well placed to continue their football journey on the back of the platform they've built."
Dylan Charlton, Scott Bailey, Johnny Emerson and Luke Craggs will remain at the academy, with options activated to retain all four.