Newcastle United are set to give Yoshinori Muto the boot in January, as head coach Steve Bruce plots a mid-season clear-out at St. James’ Park, according to the Shields Gazette.
Muto has been a rarely seen figure in the North East this season, with the Japan international awarded just 201 minutes of action across all competitions and has been omitted from the matchday squad for 11 of our 20 Premier League games.
The 27-year-old’s only inclusion in Bruce’s 18-man squad since the start of November came against Burnley on December 14, when he featured for the final 10 minutes having been recalled to the fold for our trip to Turf Moor.
His time at St. James’ Park is expected to reach its end this month, as departures are a little more pressing than arrivals, with Muto joined by Dwight Gayle and 2020-free agent Ki Sung-Yueng at the top of the chopping list.
Muto joined the Toon from Bundesliga side 1.FSV Mainz 05 in August 2018 for £9.5million after featuring at that summer’s World Cup in Russia, but struggled to make an impact under Rafa Benitez with one goal in 18 appearances.
His fortunes appeared to be on an upward trajectory under Bruce when he netted against Leicester City in the Carabao Cup, but could not force his way into the boss’ league plans with one start in six appearances to date.
Does Muto deserve another chance at St. James' Park?
Yes, he has the talent
No, his time is up
Muto’s lucrative £54,000-per-week contract, which runs until the summer of 2022, makes him one of the club’s top earners, highlighting the need to move his services on if he is not to play a part in the remainder of our campaign.
Fellow outcasts Henri Saivet, Rolando Aarons and Achraf Lazaar have also been deemed surplus to requirements as part of Bruce’s mid-season clear-out, while Rob Elliot, Jack Colback, Jamie Sterry and Karl Darlow may also be shown the door in January.
In other Newcastle United news, the club have been linked with a £35m Premier League star as part of Bruce’s January plans.