Mo Diame and young winger Cal Roberts look set to be released by the club this summer, with the Chronicle confirming that they and a few U-23’s could be shown the door at St James’ Park.
The report states it will take a ‘major U-turn’ to keep Diame at the club, with him still holding out for a two-year deal, while Roberts has already said his goodbyes.
Roberts’ contract will NOT be renewed this summer despite him being handed his first call-up to Rafa’s senior side earlier this year, with fellow U-23 players Juanito, Liam Gibson, Rosaire Longelo and Otto Huuhtanen also at risk of leaving.
Here’s a snippet from Lee Ryder’s piece ahead of the official retained list expected to be release by the club soon:
Newcastle United are set to release a number of players from their first-team and reserve squad ranks.
Geordie boy Cal Roberts has already signalled the end of his United career with the Panathinaikos-linked winger set to be out of contract.
Roberts is due to take some time to consider his next move with the Greek giants and clubs in Germany interested in his services.
Mo Diame seems set to join him unless there is a major U-turn from the powers that be and the midfielder is offered a two-year deal.
At reserve-team level there are big question marks over the futures of Spanish winger Juanito and goalkeeper Finnish goalie Otto Huuhtanen.
United are still to make some decisions on other youngsters but it is believed that Barcelona-born winger Víctor Fernández is staying at the club.
Defender Liam Gibson’s contract is set to expire soon with the Academy product attracting interest from a clutch of EFL clubs.
Former West Ham winger Rosaire Longelo signed a one-year deal last summer but it remains to be seen if that is extended.
Personally, I’d like to see Diame stay. He’s a solid player, has great experience at this level, seems a big character in the dressing room and is someone we’d struggle to replace on the cheap.
As for Roberts, he’s shown promise for the U-23’s this season bagging 13 goals and 8 assists, but the fact he’s now 22 and failed to make an impact during a loan spell with League Two side Colchester may have made Rafa’s mind up.
As for our other U-23’s, it’s good to hear that Victor Fernandez is staying – a big talent despite his injury plagued 2018/19 – however it sounds like fellow Spanish attacker Juanito and Finish goalkeeper Otto Huuhtanen will be released.
As for Liam Gibson and Rosaire Longelo are concerned, it seems the club have a decision to make over the coming weeks.
