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Five players who could leave Newcastle United in the summer

By Declan Ryan

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - JANUARY 31: Newcastle player Joselu reacts after missing a penalty during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Burnley at St. James Park on January 31, 2018 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - JANUARY 31: Newcastle player Joselu reacts after missing a penalty during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Burnley at St. James Park on January 31, 2018 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) /
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NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 11: Dwight Gayle of Newcastle United celebrates his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester United at St. James Park on February 11, 2018 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 11: Dwight Gayle of Newcastle United celebrates his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester United at St. James Park on February 11, 2018 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /

Dwight Gayle

Unlike Joselu, former Peterborough and Crystal Palace striker Dwight Gayle has goalscoring pedigree with the Toon. His 23 goals in 32 matches were instrumental in Newcastle United’s promotion from the Championship last season. However, he is unproven at the Premier League level.

Following his impressive Championship production, Gayle has only netted three times in 23 Premier League matches this season, although he provided an excellent assist in Newcastle’s recent victory over Manchester United.

At 28 years old, it is unlikely that he will ever become a quality contributor to a Premier League side. Even with a contract that runs until 2021, his fantastic goalscoring record in the Championship could attract bids from teams below Newcastle, and Rafa Benitez would be foolish to not accept a reasonable bid for the English striker.

Mohamed Diame

I’m including Mo Diame in this list with a heavy heart. The Senegalese midfielder has been a vital part of Newcastle’s slow escape from the bottom of the table, including being one of the best players on the pitch at St. James’ Park against Manchester United.

Consistency has been a problem for Diame, but the main reason he could leave the Toon next season is because of two factors – his age and his contract. Already 30 years old, it’s not necessarily unrealistic to expect his best footballing days to be behind him, especially in central midfield which is a physically demanding position.

More importantly, however, is the fact that Diame’s contract is up in 2019, and if Rafa Benitez is required to raise funds to buy new players, Newcastle have good depth in midfield and therefore could decide to sell high on Diame whilst he is still contracted to the club.