A Shields Gazette exclusive has revealed a crucial update on our involvement in the Ryan Fraser transfer saga, and it’s grim reading for Newcastle fans.
Liam Kennedy revealed at the end of July that Newcastle have been locked in a battle with Crystal Palace and West Ham for the signature of Ryan Fraser, who is now available on a free after refusing to sign a new deal at Bournemouth earlier this summer.
The 26-year-old now has been available to sign for almost two months and it’s said our interest dates back to the summer of 2019…so what’s stopping us getting the transfer over the line?
Sadly – and part of the pattern with Newcastle transfer failings in recent years – the answer is money.
Here’s what Kennedy wrote in his latest transfer piece for the Shields Gazette:
“United have taken a long hard look at Ryan Fraser this summer, and in January and the summer previous.
“But with the player’s demands creeping higher and higher it looks like the Magpies will be beaten to the signature by Crystal Palace, or even West Ham United.
“Not quite the Arsenal move the Scotland international had in mind...”
The winger had an extremely disappointing season last year, however his stunning form across 2018/19 – which saw him bag 8 goals and 15 assists – made many believe he could’ve been a real bargain on a bosman.
That said, it seems Fraser’s astronomical wage demands have dashed any hopes of the fans being able to see him in a black and white shirt, with one of West Ham or Palace now expected to swoop in.
With the clubs current financial situation – they’re clearly not willing to give six-figures a week to a player who is at times inconsistent. This is even despite him being able on a free and a long-term target of ours, it seems! (sighs).
Let’s hope Bruce can in fact get his wish and bring in an affordable winger who will bolster our attacking options for the new season – although it makes you wonder what we will be able to muster up if a free agent on big wages is still deemed too much…
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