According to a report from British news outlet Express & Star, Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez has come out and stated publicly that West Bromwich Albion loanees Jacob Murphy and Dwight Gayle could still have future at St.James Park, having impressed during their respective loan spells.
While Jacob Murphy has been shipped out merely for him to gain some much-needed game-time, Dwight Gayle‘s loan deal had much more purpose and intent involved. The Englishman has impressed quite heavily during his spell with the Baggies this term.
The 28-year-old striker has scored 17 goals and assisted a further 7 from his 33 appearances in the Championship this season. His contributions towards the Baggies’ attacking play has been undeniable while the partnership that he’s managed to form with former Southampton man Jay Rodriguez has set the league on fire as well.
While his efforts in the Championship have been commendable, his Premier League figures tell a very different kind of story. His last 4 seasons have seen him play in the Championship twice and in the Premier League twice and the alarming fluctuations in his numbers are certainly cause for concern.
In the 16/17 campaign, Dwight Gayle played for Newcastle United in the EFL Championship and recorded almost unbelievable figures. He scored 23 goals from 32 appearances making him one of their most important players from that campaign.
But once they made it back to the big time, it’s as if he lost all his will to perform. His numbers in 17/18 Premier League season show that he scored just 6 goals from 35 appearances which shows that Gayle isn’t really Premier League quality.
As suggested by the report, talks have already begun between Newcastle and West Brom regarding a possible swap deal involving Gayle and Venezuelan forward Salomon Rondon, who is currently spending the season on loan at St.James’ Park from West Brom and is said to be willing to extend his stay.
Rondon has turned into a fan favourite within the Magpies faithful and that’s why Newcastle should be looking to keep him on a permanent basis. His height and physical attributes suit Newcastle’s style of play much more than the diminutive figure of Gayle.
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His 9 goals and 5 assists have all come at crucial times for Newcastle this season and if it weren’t for his goals, Newcastle could well be fighting to stay in the division at this point in time. His services to the club have been excellent and Magpies must go for this swap deal that would see Dwight Gayle leave on permanent basis.