As reported by The Chronicle, Newcastle United are yet to decide what lies in the future of striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, despite the player getting very little game time so far this season.
What’s the story?
The upcoming transfer window is an important one for Newcastle. After a decent start on their return to the English Premier League, Rafa Benitez needs to refresh his squad in January after a less than convincing summer of business.
With resources at a premium, as important as bringing players in is shipping under performing players out and Aleksandar Mitrovic would likely be at the top of that list for most fans.
The Chronicle report though that Benitez has yet to sanction his departure in January, knowing that he isn’t exactly blessed for options in attacking areas with just Joselu and Dwight Gayle ready to lead the line.
The paper say clubs from the Championship and the continent are interested but that Benitez would prefer to sell, perhaps complicating matters with clubs hoping to secure a loan for the £9m-rated striker.
Time to say goodbye?
It’s clear by this point that Mitrovic doesn’t have much of a future at St James’ Park. While he saw plenty of action under Benitez in the Championship last season, this term he has played just 135 minutes of football for the Magpies, with his only start coming in the EFL Cup.
Shipping him out would allow Benitez to focus resources on bringing in a first-choice attacker, although his summer pick Joselu has hardly set the world ablaze, demonstrating there’s no guarantee when it comes to the transfer market.
If Newcastle are going to progress and find stability in the top-flight, their next few transfer windows are going to be vital and moving on players not good enough is a vital part of it.
Still just 23 years of age, Mitrovic still has potential to improve but it’s probably for the best to say goodbye.
