Newcastle United have finally found a go-to striker in Callum Wilson this season. But, the players behind him on the depth chart have struggled to produce when given the opportunity. One Newcastle striker that is starting to produce consistently is actually playing in Spain at the moment.
On loan with SD Eibar, Yoshinori Muto is finally playing well for the La Liga side. He’s started 13 matches this season, 19 total appearances, across all competitions. Since January 7th, he has scored a goal or provided an assist in four out of five matches.
The Japanese international scored a goal in each of Eibar’s two most recent Copa Del Rey matches.
In league play, he picked up an assist vs. Atletico Madrid before assisting on the second-half equalizer in a draw vs. Celta de Vigo a few days later. His only league goal of the season came back in November vs. Real Betis.
With less than a full season under his belt with Eibar, he has already exceeded his Newcastle United totals for goals and assists. On Sunday, Muto and Eibar will get a chance to face Osasuna, who are one spot above the relegation zone in the Spanish top flight.
While it’s unlikely that his performance this season will earn him a shot with the Magpies next year, the 28-year-old’s form is certainly helping his value for when the club likely tries to sell him this summer.
Newcastle United supporters will be hoping that he can keep his latest run of form going to continue to drive up the price on what NUFC can recoup from the money they spent to buy him from Mainz in 2018.