Newcastle United have announced in the last few moments that Matz Sels has left the club, signing for Belgian champions Anderlecht on a season-long loan.
The Chronicle reveal that there is no buyout clause in Sels’ loan deal with Anderlecht, however the Belgian giants will pay his wages in full for the season.
Welcome Matz Sels ! ?? #RSCA #COYM pic.twitter.com/CBQz5t3yMD
— RSC Anderlecht (@rscanderlecht) June 22, 2017
It is understood that Anderlecht were keen on a permanent deal for Sels, however Newcastle, to our surprise, preferred a loan deal with no obligation to buy.
This appears rather surprising given his form at the club and place down the current pecking order, however Benitez may be reluctant to give up on a player he paid £5m for less than 12 months ago.
For all we know he impresses during his time away and comes back a new player – he will be playing in the Champions League with Anderlecht after all!
With Benitez looking to bring in a new goalkeeper (Pepe Reina?)as well as having the capable Elliot, Krul, Darlow and Woodman already on our books, a move to Sels’ native Belgium to play week in week out looks like a suitable move for all parties.