Matthew Baker (born 6 February 2003) is a professional footballer who plays as a defender for club Notts County. He is a former Wales under-21 international.
Club career Stoke City Baker progressed through the Gillingham youth system and signed for Stoke City in June 2021. He moved on loan to Newport County in January 2023 for the remainder of the 2022–23 season. He made his Football League debut for Newport on 14 February 2023 in the League Two 2–2 draw against Stevenage. Baker made 18 appearances for Newport helping them finish in 15th position. In September 2023 Baker re-joined Newport County on loan for the 2023–24 season. Baker made 39 appearances for the Exiles as they finished in 18th position. In May 2024, Stoke City offered Baker a contract extension.
Newport County On 1 July 2024, Baker returned to Newport County on a permanent two-year deal after both clubs had reached a compensation agreement. Baker scored his first goal for Newport on 17 August 2024 in the 3–1 EFL League Two win against Doncaster Rovers. He was selected as Newport County Young Player of the Year for the 2024–25 season Baker was offered a new contract by Newport at the end of the 2025-26 season but he chose to move on.
Notts County On 17 July 2026, Baker joined newly promoted League One club Notts County on an initial two-year deal, a compensation package having been agreed with Newport County.
International career Baker is from Kent and qualifies for Wales through his mother who was born in Narberth, Pembrokeshire. He is a Wales youth international and captained them at under-19 level. On 26 March 2023 Baker made his Wales under-21 debut in the starting line-up for the 3–0 friendly match win against Scotland under-21 in Spain. He later became under-21 captain.
In June 2024 Baker was called up to the Wales senior squad for the first time.
Career statistics
+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueFA CupLeague CupOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsStoke City2022–23Championship000000—002023–24Championship000000—00Total0000000000Newport County (loan)2022–23League Two180000000180Newport County (loan)2023–24League Two320500020390Newport County2024–25League Two4141010304642025–26League Two381002010411Total795103040875Notts County2026–27League One2000001030Career total13156030701475
References