Newcastle must sell these two players in January
By Durim Halimi
Newcastle United are already thinking about who they will target in January, but the club should also prepare the departure of two players.
Newcastle United’s scouts have been busy trying to find reinforcements for the January transfer window. The Magpies have already been linked to several players across multiple European leagues, but it remains to be seen who the club have a firm interest in.
The January transfer window is crucial for teams looking to make a few upgrades in the middle of the season, but it also serves as a lifeline for players who ride the bench. We already know Jack Colback and Henry Saivet are desperate to leave after failing to earn spots in the squad this summer, but the two first team players Newcastle United should consider selling in January are Yoshinori Muto and Ki Sung-Yueng.
Why Sell Muto?
The short answer to this question is that Muto is simply not cut out for the Premier League. He was given a few chances to showcase his abilities under Rafa Benitez, but there was not much to praise except for his goal against Manchester United, which is also the only Premier League goal he has scored as a Magpie.
Steve Bruce gave Muto a few chances to climb the pecking order this summer, but now it is clear that Muto has fallen behind Joelinton, Dwight Gayle and Andy Carroll. He has not even made it on the bench in the last few games for the Magpies, so the club should make him available in January.
Why Sell Ki?
The consistency of Isaac Hayden and Sean Longstaff, the resurgence of Jonjo Shelvey, and the emergence of Matty Longstaff means there is no more room for Ki in this squad. Ki is the most composed midfielder of them all when the ball is at his feet, however, he lacks the pace, energy and urgency the others have when they play.
Ki has only made 21 appearances for the Toon over the last two seasons and his contribution to the team only consists of one assist. His contract expires at the end of this season, but Newcastle United would be wise to sell him in January to make a little profit instead of just letting him walk for free in the summer.