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Opinion

What the future holds for these 10 Newcastle players this summer

7 years ago
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So many Newcastle players, so many uncertain futures this summer.

Alan Shearer has led those who have stated the obvious – that Newcastle United can’t be ‘loyal’ to every player who has contributed to this season’s promotion.

That some of this year’s first eleven/squad will be also first choice next season, some will drop back in the pecking order, whilst others will leave.

Which players are destined for which category?

Here is my guesstimate on 10 of those Newcastle Players:

Yoan Gouffran – Will be thanked for his contribution this season but no new contract in the summer and au revoir.

Vurnon Anita – Will be offered a short-term contract (one or two years) but in balance as to him staying, as will be squad player with no guarantee of games and may then well be looking for three or four year contract elsewhere.

Jesus Gamez – Kept on for second and final year of his contract as experienced defensive cover.

Daryl Murphy – See Jesus Gamez.

Aleksandar Mitrovic – Newcastle will attempt to sell him but reality is that more likely he will leave on a year’s loan (to a club on the continent) with a trigger clause for permanent transfer if move is successful and certain number of games played.

Christian Atsu – He may have scored his fourth Championship goal of the season but the Preston match was only his 13th league start of the season and very difficult to see he has a future at Newcastle in the Premier League with a fee having to be paid. Monday night, like most of his recent appearances, didn’t suggest a player busting a gut to show he deserves a place at the club next season.

Karl Darlow – It may have been only one game but for Rafa Benitez to change keepers on the night promotion was achieved…that was massive. Despite Darlow doing well in the Premier League at the end of last season he preferred an untried foreign keeper to start the season. Even though Karl Darlow has been very good this season overall, it looks as though occasional lapses of concentration/focus have cost him in Rafa’s eyes – I see the former Forest keeper being sold in the summer and Elliot or Krul (or new signing) to be number one.

Paul Dummett – One of the success stories of the season. Showed himself a very solid option at Championship level and both Rafa and the player himself will be happy for the Geordie defender to be part of next season’s first team squad, though not first choice.

Ayoze Perez – He could be on the cusp. As in…because you can’t realistically change more than a certain number of players in your squad, it may well depend on which signings Rafa Benitez can attract AND who he gets decent money offered for. Perez and Diame have shared that number 10 position and neither have convinced in it at second tier level so difficult/impossible to see either being first choice in the Premier League next season.  I think most likely outcome is one will leave and the other stay as a back-up player.

Chancel Mbemba – Arguably Newcastle’s second most talented centre-back (after Ciaran Clark) but clearly has no future at Newcastle United, unless something disastrous happens and Ashley forces the United boss out. Clearly something has gone on behind the scenes and the fact Rafa left Mbemba out once again and preferred once again the terrible idea of partnering the very slow Lascelles with the even slower Hanley at Ipswich, says it all. Must be a certainty to be sold and all but sure for it to be a club on the continent – a possibility to go on and have a stellar career elsewhere.

Rafa Benitez? – I know what we all hope for but that depends on Mike Ashley treating him right.

(All contributions from Newcastle fans welcome, send articles (as well as ideas/suggestions) to contribute@themag.co.uk)

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