Following another crucial goal for Newcastle United, the Chronicle are now reporting Dwight Gayle is attracting interest from the likes of Fulham, as well as other teams in Europe.
A proven goalscorer, Gayle is out of contract this summer, meaning top brass behind the scenes at St. James’ Park have quite the decision to make in regards to his long-term future.
The Vital View
Strangely enough considering he was farmed out on loan under Rafa Benitez, Newcastle currently need Gayle more than he needs them.
Given his goalscoring exploits, he’s surely not likely to be short of suitors, as the report suggests. Whether it be a Premier League side fighting for survival or a Championship side looking for the firepower needed to win promotion, Gayle must be an attractive option.
While Callum Wilson will take some ousting as the Magpies’ first-choice striker, the options behind him are reasonably bleak when it comes to actually putting the ball in the back of the net, hence the need for Gayle. Last season, his six goal contributions were bettered only by Jonjo Shelvey and Allan Saint-Maximin and he’s already proven his worth this year with the winner on Saturday.
Is Gayle worthy of a new contract?
Yes
No
How much would it cost to sign a proven goalscorer to operate largely as a back-up? The Joelinton experiment proved signing strikers is far from easy and comes with major risks, after all.
Newcastle need someone like Gayle in the squad. He’s a capable striker at this level and should have shaken off the tag that he’s not good enough for the Premier League thanks to his performance last season, so allowing him to leave would leave a gaping hole behind Wilson.
Whether he needs to stay at Newcastle is up for debate given the apparent interest in the player.
Gayle could save Newcastle an awful lot of money in the transfer market. Here’s exactly why the club should stick with him and ignore another striker…