10 NUFC players who look set to be axed by Rafa Benitez this summer
It has been recently announced that Vurnon Anita, Sammy Ameobi and Haris Vuckic will be released by the club this summer, but they are not the only ones we will see Newcastle United move on over the coming months.
With this in mind, another summer of big changes can be expected on Tyneside, with Newcastle's squad expected to have endured a real shake up come August.
See below for the 10 players I expect to see leave the club this summer as part of the latest squad rebuild:
1. Matz Sels
The Belgian international was signed last summer with every intention of becoming Newcastle no.1. Several edgy displays saw him not only lose his first team spot, but a place in the squad all together. With Elliot, Darlow and Krul all on our books, a return to Belgium is on the cards.
Click here to see the next player who could leave NUFC in the summer
2. Grant Hanley
The no nonsense centre-back has done a steady job when called upon, but has made just a handful of starts and is a player who's traits suit the physical battles of the second tier far more than the frenetic pace of the Premier League. I fully expect him to join a decent Championship side this summer.
Click here to see the next player who could leave NUFC in the summer
3. Achraf Lazaar
Another player signed last summer who could be heading for an early exit. Lazaar made just 4 Championship appearances last season, failing to get in ahead of first team left-back, Paul Dummett. Recent reports have suggested he could be one of the first to leave this summer, with the club unable to guarantee him first team football next season. A move back to Italy or Spain has been mooted for the Moroccan.
Click here to see the next player who could leave NUFC in the summer
4. Jesus Gamez
The experienced Spaniard was considered quite a coup when he arrived from Atletico Madrid last summer, but has gone on to make just 4 starts all season. Gamez has pedigree, but concerns over his age and fitness could see him leave this summer, after showing little to suggest he contribute to next season's Premier League campaign.
Click here to see the next player who could leave NUFC in the summer
5. Massaido Haidara
Haidara's surprise appearance on the final day of the season against Barnsley looks likely to be his last for the club. He has shown promise in flashes, but injuries and limited first team opportunities have limited his development. A move away makes sense for all parties, with the Frenchman's exit almost inevitable this summer.
Click here to see the next player who could leave NUFC in the summer
6. Henri Saivet
Signed by Steve McClaren in January 2016, Saivet has made just 4 appearances for the club. Benitez then sent the Senegalese midfielder on loan to St Etienne, however the midfielder looks set to return to Tyneside for pre-season after an underwhelming spell in France. Barring a miraculous pre-season, Saivet will be shown the exit door this summer.
Click here to see the next player who could leave NUFC in the summer
7. Yoan Gouffran
Gouffran has been a player re-born under Rafa Benitez, proving to be an effective player in our promotion back to the Premier League last season as he chipped in with 7 goals. There is talk that 31-year-old Frenchman may be handed a new deal, but Newcastle need to move several players off their books this summer & despite his efforts, I believe Gouffran should be one of those.
Click here to see the next player who could leave NUFC in the summer
8. Daryl Murphy
Murphy has delivered the goods when called upon and has proven his worth in the second tier, but that's as far as his Newcastle career will go i'd imagine. The 34-year-old striker is well into his twilight years as a player and his game time would only decrease further next season. Like Gouffran, I applaud his efforts at the club over the last 12 months, but he'll be moved on this summer.
Click here to see the next player who could leave NUFC in the summer
9. Tim Krul
After a stint of loan spells in Holland last season, Tim Krul will return to Tyneside for pre-season this summer and will be hoping for one last chance at Newcastle. Whilst Tim is a very capable goalkeeper on his day and a great character around the club, there's every chance he could be moved on this summer. With Rafa is targeting a new goalkeeper as well as having the capable trio of Elliot, Woodman and Darlow on his hands, Krul's days at Newcastle look numbered.
Click here to see the next player who could leave NUFC in the summer
10. Emmanuel Riviere
I kid you not, Riviere is still a Newcastle United player! After signing on a 4-year-deal in 2014, he's failed to impress at St. James' Park and was sent on loan to La Liga strugglers Osasuna last year. During his time in Spain he's failed to score in 17 appearances and looks almost certain to be let go this summer when he returns fro pre-season.
