It is fair to say that Aleksandar Mitrovic’s spell in the north-east didn’t turn out as anticipated, but fans have recently debated whether the club was to get rid of the Serbia international.
The discussion was sparked by an article on The Chronicle, which reflected on his time at St. James’ Park, the relationship he had with the fans, as well as his acrimonious exit.
Mitrovic only scored 17 goals in 72 games for the club, hence Rafa Benitez’s decision to get rid of him, but as some fans point out below he would still be a better option than the current set of strikers.
Was selling Mitrovic a mistake?
Yes
No
The 25-year-old scored nine Premier League goals in 2015/16, a season the Magpies were relegated in, yet Joelinton, Dwight Gayle and Andy Carroll have managed just two league goals between them this campaign.
Despite that, many supporters still believe the club made the right decision to let him move to Fulham for £22m, as Salomon Rondon’s 11 goals and seven assists last term showed Benitez replaced him with a better forward.
Remind me, what division is he currently plying his trade in? Two transfer windows have passed since Fulham’s relegation, but no PL club nor any club in Europe fancies taking a punt. Tells its own story.
— Steven Medd (@BorisBedd) March 31, 2020
I liked him. Doing well in championship
— Paul E-R (@PaulER35846239) March 31, 2020
I had high hopes for him even after we got relegated but he was so bad in that promotion season I’ve never been able to take him seriously since.
— Jimmy Dixon (@jamesalandixon) March 31, 2020
I get really frustrated at this sale and I always thought it was one of Rafas mistakes. He was a young hungry striker who I thought would come good.
— Paul G (@Garf0412) March 31, 2020
Mitro wore his heart on his sleeve. Loved this guy. Woow, Mitros on fire.
— Taffaroo (@Taffaroo_) March 31, 2020
Rondon proved he was better in the style that Rafa played.
However he is way better than what we have now. But times change. Move on— Jack Laidler (@Kaizer1892) March 31, 2020
69 goals for club and country in 2 years and people are still writing him off. Probably the same fans that go on about Rafa and Rondon still.
— Ash Sales (@ashsales22) March 31, 2020
Had plenty of chances couldn’t live up to it, now is at a team and doing alright let’s just leave it there and move on
— Louis McGregor (@Louismc1988) March 30, 2020