Aleksandar Mitrovic insists he is ‘happy’ at Newcastle United and hopes to stay with the club next season, but is yet to discuss his future with Rafa Benitez.
The Serbian has started just 10 games in the league this season, scoring 6 goals in 27 appearances in all competitions in what has been a frustrating campaign for the striker.
Mitrovic said the following when asked whether he’d still be at the club next season:
“Hopefully. We have to finish these two games, then I have the international team and then I will go on vacation.
“I will leave this to my father and my brother to see. I hope so, I’m happy here, but we’ll see.”
He was then asked if he had discussed his future with Rafa Benitez ahead of next season and said:
“Not yet. We are really focused to finish this season in the way we want and the way we started.
“It’s a really long year for me so I need a vacation, I need to rest from football and from everything.”
At 22, Mitrovic has time on his side but a lot to learn and improve upon, seeing him split opinion amongst the Geordie faithful.
On one half you have those who adore the strikers passion and love for NUFC, with those in favour being wholeheartedly against the idea of cashing in on the Serbian this summer. Many others are losing patience with Mitrovic however, feeling the striker, who has a tendency to miss big chances, is simply not good enough.
Personally, i’d like to see him stay and make a success of his Newcastle United career, but have doubts if he will be able to make that dream a reality.
He is a useful option to have in the squad, being a handful who can bring others into play, but his lack of goals concern me – especially if he is relied upon to deliver in the top flight next season.
Given the peripheral role I expect Rafa to offer him next season, it would not surprise me if we saw the Serbian leave this summer.
