Is Dwight Gayle next in line to leave Newcastle United?

Following the departure of Islam Slimani at the end of this campaign, is Dwight Gayle the next name set to leave?

Due to a three-match ban issued by the Football Association, Islam Slimani officially played his final match for Newcastle against West Brom. However, it is highly unlikely that Slimani is the only striker set to depart Tyneside.

Dwight Gayle has been blessed with several opportunities from Rafa Benitez to play and score goals for the Magpies. Thus far, Gayle has made 32 appearances for the club, but has only scored five goals. Based on his inability to serve as Newcastle’s primary scorer this season, it is safe to assume that Benitez will aim to sell Gayle this summer.

Benitez and the Toon Army have given the 27-year-old striker sufficient support, but Gayle has failed to earn their praises. The final three matches for Newcastle may very well be the final matches we see Gayle suit up for the Magpies.

Auditions Ended

Based on his lineup selection against West Brom, Benitez has made up his mind regarding final auditions. In the case of Dwight Gayle, the striker did not play to save his place on the team, but he played because he is currently the best option up top. His counterpart, Joselu, has played in 28 matches and has only scored on four occasions.

Expectations were high for Gayle heading into this Premier League campaign and he has had several months to prove his quality. Gayle definitely has the attributes to play in the top flight, but his lack of shooting precision places a ceiling on his success.

I, too, hoped that Gayle was simply experiencing a low period and would start scoring in double figures, but that day never came. In the end, it does not matter whether or not Gayle will score multiple goals in May as his time with Newcastle is likely over.

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The Mitrovic Question

If Benitez does decide to sell Gayle in the summer, another important question arises – what will happen with Aleksandar Mitrovic? The Serbian international has been in stellar form during his loan stint at Fulham and deserves a second chance with the Magpies.

The problem, however, is the complicated relationship between Benitez and Mitrovic. A few months ago, Mitrovic criticized Benitez’s tactics and this did not sit well with the Spaniard. With that being said, Benitez will have two options this summer.

Option One:

Sell Dwight Gayle in the summer and open the door for Mitrovic to return to Newcastle as the primary striker.

Option Two:

Utilize Fulham’s fervent interest in purchasing both Gayle and Mitrovic this summer to start fresh and have funds to buy a quality striker.