Highly rated Newcastle United youngster Dan Barlaser has penned a new two-year deal at the club and the talented midfielder looks set to earn a January move away to gain some much needed first team football.
The club confirmed the news over the weekend and it has now emerged that he hopes to secure a loan move away from St James’ park this winter in a bid to impress Benitez and return ‘ready’ to play first team football for us in the Premier League.
The 20-year old midfielder has made three appearances for the senior team thus far, featuring in cup clashes with Birmingham, Oxford and this seasons Carabo Cup defeat to Nottingham Forest, however he is one of our stand out players at U-23 level, having often impressed me when I’ve been to watch Peter Beardsley’s second string.
Here’s what the youngster said to NUFC TV:
? Watch an interview with @barlaser_97, who has today signed a two-year contract extension with #NUFC.
? https://t.co/co2yFp0sI3 pic.twitter.com/8XoLjMpJ9p
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) October 21, 2017
“My short term aims are, because I want to move on loan in January, are to win as many games as I can with the under-23s, get through the Checkatrade Cup and get through the International Cup.
“Long term, I want to get on loan in January, show what I can do, and hopefully be back and ready to play for the first-team.
“By the time this contract is up, hopefully I will be playing in the Premier League.”
With Merino, Shelvey and Hayden being three good options currently occupying Benitez’ engine room, Barlaser has a long way to go to break into the side at first team level, but a loan move away will be exactly what he needs to continue his development.
It seems to be doing wonders for fellow NUFC U-23 midfielder Sean Longstaff – who’s been banging them at Blackpool this season – and hopefully Barlaser can have similar success if and when he finds a move away this winter.
It would be great to see a local lad come through after we’ve seen so few make the cut in recent years.
One to keep an eye on. Good luck to the lad!
