Newcastle Toons
Fansided

Five Newcastle United players who may not return from loans

By Roy Emanuel

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 06: Aleksandar Mitrovic of Fulham holds off Richard Stearman of Sheffield United during the Sky Bet Championship match between Fulham and Sheffield United at Craven Cottage on March 6, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 06: Aleksandar Mitrovic of Fulham holds off Richard Stearman of Sheffield United during the Sky Bet Championship match between Fulham and Sheffield United at Craven Cottage on March 6, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 6
Next
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 25: Alexander Mitrovic of Newcastle United is challenged by Tom Cleverly of Watford during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Watford at St. James Park on November 25, 2017 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 25: Alexander Mitrovic of Newcastle United is challenged by Tom Cleverly of Watford during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Watford at St. James Park on November 25, 2017 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) /

1) Aleksandar Mitrovic – Fulham

An intense situation during the past few months, there seems to be little chance that Aleksandar Mitrovic will be scoring goals again for Newcastle United. Ultimately, Rafa Benitez does not have full trust in the striker.

The 23-year-old joined Fulham in January, and has been nothing short of remarkable since his signing. Mitrovic has scored seven goals in a span of only 17 days recently for the Cottagers.

Newcastle owner Mike Ashley has recognised this electric form, and is believed to be setting the forward’s fee higher for the upcoming summer transfer period.

With the 2018 FIFA World Cup on the horizon for his home country of Serbia, Mitrovic appears to be motivated in more ways than one. Focused and sharp on the ball, his efforts have greatly helped Fulham climb the Championship table.

If Mitrovic maintains this level of play, it will become even more unpredictable in terms of where he could land next season.

There are plenty of fans who would love to see the striker return as a starter for Newcastle, but that scenario does not seem to be on the cards as a legitimate possibility. Benitez may not have said as much, though sending a talented striker out on-loan while battling relegation speaks volumes.

Next: Alan Pardew's 40 Newcastle signings ranked and rated

Newcastle United and Aleksandar Mitrovic had a wonderful run together. Now, the striker must walk a different path to find success.