Ryan Fraser believes his time at Newcastle United is “done”, feeling Eddie Howe’s decision to send him to Southampton spoke volumes about his future on Tyneside.
We don’t know the full extent of his fallout after he spent the second half of last season training with our U21s, but it’s fair to say Fraser never hit the heights we hoped. Many, including myself, saw him as a brilliant free agent signing when arrived in 2020, yet he’s managed just three goals in 59 appearances and struggled to stay fit after a host of reoccurring hamstring injuries.
Six months on from his loan move to Southampton, he’s clearly loving life back on the South Coast, saying “there is no place I want to be other than Southampton next season” when asked about a potential permanent move to the St Mary’s.
A few days ago, Saints boss Russell Martin cast doubt over a permanent switch, questioning if finances would allow is, but it’s clear the Scottish winger is desperate to stay once his season-long loan move expires.
Here’s what Fraser told the Daily Echo when asked about his future:
“I think my time at Newcastle is done now. I don’t think you get put out on loan if there is a chance of you going back.
“The second half of last season was tough as we have all seen. Coming here was about helping the team in any way that I could. That has been coming off the bench and making an impact in games. It’s such a good feeling to help the team.”
Fraser on his future plans and a potential permanent move to St Mary’s:
“Promotion is the first thing on my mind, but hopefully I have a good end to the season and the club want to keep me. Every time I step onto the pitch or into Staplewood, I need to give myself the best opportunity because there is no place I want to be other than Southampton next season.”
Fraser on his time at Southampton so far:
“I’m loving it. Like I said at the start of the season, I just wanted to enjoy it. I wanted to help the team get promoted. I love being here – I think people can tell that. I’m trying to always smile because sometimes you get lost in how good it is here.
“The lads love it here. The winning culture is coming back. We have a group of players who keep their standards really high.
“Everyone wants to play for the badge, everyone wants to play for the club. The fans are starting to see that. If I’m back on the bench against Sheffield Wednesday then so be it.”
Fraser was only ever a BOGOFF for when we bought Wilson.
Fans insisted at the time that he would provide the service for Wilson that he had at Bournemouth and that he was worth having.
Some, however, pointed to the fact that Fraser had refused to stay on at Bournemouth and help them stay up during COVID, as an indicator as to what we could expect in the way of commitment and loyalty.
Shocker, eh?
We’ve seen it all before with the likes of Bellamy, Robert and Ben Arfa, and I’m sure we will see it again with Gordon, who refused to return to training at Everton to force through his move to Newcastle.
You heard it here first. Gordon WILL be next.
BykerBill(Quote)