One of the first tasks facing Dan Ashworth at Newcastle is the dirty job of moving on current players to make way for new arrivals. The Athletic‘s Chris Waugh has gone through the current playing squad in-depth and in doing so has highlighted those who could be moved on.
We looked at a list of players facing the exit near the end of the season, and there is some crossover: Here’s my take on each player Chris Waugh has suggested could be moved on:
Freddie Woodman – GK
Woodman already looks to be on the move with a loan to Port Vale looking very likely to come off in the coming days. Whether there will be an option to buy in the deal remains to be seen, but as we’ve already said on Vital Newcastle, it’s probably time for the ‘Keeper to find a new permanent home.
Karl Darlow – GK
Darlow has served us well in the past, but never really hit the same level as current Number 1, Martin Dubravka. Many reports have linked Newcastle with a hunt for a new ‘Keeper, and if one does come in that leaves Darlow out in the wind. Probably a good idea to hang on to him until a replacement is assured, though.
Ciaran Clark – CB
I’m not sure you’ll find many fans willing to fight his corner here. Clark’s most memorable recent contribution was his red card against Norwich, followed by a similar outcome in a friendly over in Saudi. The former being the catalyst for the revitalised Joelinton’s move to Midfield – so we have him to thank for that at least. Off the pace and not up to the level we’re aiming for, Clark should be moved on ASAP, probably to a Championship Club.
Federico Fernandez – CB
Poor Fede. He was just becoming a fan favourite when an injury lost him his starting place in the team under Bruce. Eddie Howe came in and didn’t seem to favour the Argentine for whatever reason. It’s likely that we have seen the last of Fede in a Newcastle shirt.
Jamaal Lascelles – CB
A leader on and off the pitch Lascelles has been a true asset to Newcastle since signing from Nottingham Forest, which looks like a possible destination for him again this summer. I don’t think it’s imperative that we move Lascelles on as he can still do a job for the Magpies. His form at the end of the season proves that. But with more exciting targets in our sights, we could be looking to cash in.
Javier Manquillo – RB
Like Lascelles, Manqui can still do a job for the Toon but with Tripper as first choice right-back and Emil Krafth suddenly showing why we signed him, he has dropped down to third choice and could be moved on to make way for new arrivals.
Matt Ritchie – LWB
Ritchie has done a fantastic job for the Toon since his arrival from Bournemouth, however he is knocking on a bit now and has lost a yard of pace. There’s no doubt he can still cut it in the Premier League, just not at the level the Toon are hoping to reach next season. Ritchie is strongly tipped for a return to the Cherries next season.
Jeff Hendrick – CM
I mean, what was this one all about? Scoring on his debut against West Ham in the season opener, that was seemingly enough for Bruce pick Hendrick week in week out, despite the fact that everyone could see he was not good enough. Eventually, Howe managed to move him on to QPR on loan and hopefully Ashworth will find a new home for Hendrick in the coming weeks.
Miguel Almiron – CM
Wor Miggy was the subject of our recent poll and it was clear that fans want him to stay as they feel that Howe can get the best out of him. I’m personally inclined to agree, but there’s also an argument to be made that he is a saleable asset and could be a good way to bring in extra revenue.
Matty Longstaff – CM
Likely to be sent out on loan again as Eddie Howe definitely feels there’s a player there, but wants to see what he can do before making a decision, and with him unlikely to get much first team action at Newcastle, it makes sense for him to ply his trade elsewhere to give Howe an idea of what he’s capable of.
Dwight Gayle – ST
Much like Aleksandar Mitrovic, Gayle, is an assassin at Championship level, but never manages to replicate his goal scoring antics in the Premier League and therefore it is time he moves to a Championship club while he still has the legs to cause some serious damage to defences.