Newcastle United agree to terms for selling Mitrovic

Planning to sell him all summer, Newcastle United finally came to an agreement to move Aleksandar Mitrovic.

The day has finally arrived. According to reports, Newcastle United came to terms today with Fulham for the sale of striker Aleksandar Mitrovic. The fee is rumored to be around 20 million. Mitro played with Fulham on loan for the second half of last season, helping them achieve promotion.

One of the biggest fan favorites at the club, Mitrovic had his ups and downs at Newcastle. He arrived from Anderlecht in 2015, ahead of the relegation-bound campaign for the Toon. The Serbian striker appeared in 34 Premier League matches, scoring nine goals and adding four assists. Playing in the Championship the following season, he would become the second-choice man for Rafa Benitez, with Dwight Gayle scoring more than 20 goals as the primary striker. Mitro contributed four goals. He only made 11 starts and was suspended for four matches.

Last season, he couldn’t find his way into Rafa’s plans. The Spanish manager preferred Joselu and Gayle, both players willing to follow his detailed instructions. Unlike the two calculated, finesse strikers, Mitrovic is a passionate player that succeeds due to his brute strength, hold up play, and leaping ability. He played in six EPL matches and scored a goal. Finally, in January, he was granted an escape on loan to Fulham. Mitro would take his aggressiveness to the Championship side and carry them to promotion. In just 17 appearances, he scored 12 goals.

Now, Newcastle United are 20 million richer and without a striker that Rafa never seemed interested in playing. As of now, it will be Joselu, Gayle, and pending addition Yoshinori Muto carrying the striker position. There’s a chance that the sale of Mitrovic will allow the club to acquire longtime target Salomon Rondon from West Brom. While that would be a positive, Toon Army will definitely miss Mitrovic at St. James’ Park.