Sky Sports have confirmed this lunchtime that Rolando Aarons has turned down a loan move to Championship strugglers Hull and is now set to join Serie A side Hellas Verona until the end of the season instead.
At 22, Aarons is still very young, however he does need to start getting some regular first-team football under his belt, having featured just five times in all competitions for Newcastle this season.
Benitez appears to rate him, hence why this is only a loan deal, but you do sense that time is running out for him to make something of his NUFC career.
Rolando Aarons has turned down a loan move to Hull City in and us set for a temporary switch to Italian side Hallas Verona instead.
— Keith Downie (@SkySports_Keith) January 31, 2018
An interesting move for Aarons, who’ll be linking up with former NUFC coach Fabio Pecchia in Italy – a man Rafa will know very well having worked closely with him throughout his career as a manager.
Some fans have suggested that a Championship move would’ve been ideal for Aarons, but this NUFC fan makes a valid point as to why a move to Serie A could be a brilliant learning curve for the winger:
Verona play Roma on Sunday, Lazio later in February, Inter in March, Milan and Juventus in May.
That has to be better for Aarons' development than scrapping around in the Championship. Under a coach he knows, too.
— Ben Spratt (@bensprattjourn) January 31, 2018
A big challenge for the youngster – good luck to him, hopefully he comes back fitter, sharper and all the better for some much needed first-team football each week.
Good move for him going to Italy, will get plenty game time if he works hard AND will improve his defensive game which is important when being in a Rafa squad who basis his games on counter attack….Good luck Rolando you will come back a better player AND to a club who is finally going to realise it’s potential once the sale goes thru….
Sean(Quote)