Newcastle United midfielder Haris Vuckic is currently on trial with FC Twente, as the Slovenian plans for life after NUFC with his current deal expiring in the summer.
In January 2009, The Magpies believed they had signed one of Eastern Europe’s most-promising talents in Haris Vuckic. AC Milan, Manchester United, PSG and Borussia Dortmund were all said to be among the clubs expressing interest, but it was Newcastle who secured the attacking-midfielder on a three-and-a-half-year deal.
8 years later, the once 16 year-old ‘wonderkid’, has made just 19 first-team appearances for Newcastle, spending the majority of his career on unsuccessful loans.
The tall and rangy midfielder, who played in the number 10 role, made an instant impact in the reserves. I remember watching him for the U-21’s and being impressed – at one stage the Slovenian looked a real prospect.
Injuries marred his progress however, seeing him play just 4 games during Newcastle’s promotion campaign of 2009/10. The following season saw him enjoy several League Cup cameos, with his early promise earning him a new five and a half year deal under Alan Pardew in 2011.
In light of Vuckic’s contract, Pardew said:
”Haris is a player with real potential who we believe could have an exciting future here at Newcastle. It is great news for all parties that he has agreed a new contract.”
Despite scoring the winning goal against Atromitos in the Europa League in 2011, this was about as good as things got for Vuckic, who would go on to play just 4 more first team.
Since then, Vuckic has endured several unsuccessful loans, failing to make any real impact at Cardiff (2012) , Rotherham (2013), Wigan (2015) and more recently Bradford just last year. His most successful loan saw him score 9 times in 22 games during a full season with Rangers in 2015, however it must be said that this was in the 2nd tier of Scottish football.
This year the 24 year-old has made several appearances for the U-23’s, however, it was confirmed yesterday that the midfielder is on trial with Eredivisie side, FC Twente, as he looks to secure his next move following the expiry of his Newcastle contract this summer.
So, with Vuckic set to depart in the summer, after Benitez told him that he no longer had a long-term future with the club, it’s an understatement to say Newcastle supporters have never seen the best of the attacking midfielder, who is yet to fulfil his undoubted potential.
Here’s hoping Haris can stay injury free and go on to score more goals like this below, as he seeks pastures new this summer.
