All signs point to Newcastle United being in the relegation battle for the rest of the season as they try to hold off Fulham or pass Brighton. Obviously, dropping down to the Championship has repercussions across the board for a club, typically including an exit of top-level players.
Just from last offseason alone, Newcastle acquired Ryan Fraser, Jamal Lewis, and Callum Wilson from sides that were relegated. For the Magpies, they’ve also been on the other end of players leaving after the club’s fate is sealed.
When Newcastle United were last relegated, two of their biggest stars, Andros Townsend (release clause triggered by Crystal Palace) and Gini Wijnaldum (signed with Liverpool), departed the club before the season in the Championship.
If Newcastle United finish in a relegation position this season, these three players deserve the chance to leave the club instead of playing in the second division next campaign.
These players deserve a chance to leave Newcastle United if the club is relegated.
Miguel Almiron
While he’s had his bright moments for the club, it seems like Almiron hasn’t been used to his best ability since arriving at Newcastle United from Major League Soccer’s Atlanta United. The Paraguayan always puts in a hardworking shift and is often times not rewarded for his effort. Rather than go down to the Championship, he should find a new club that can maximize his potential and allow him to get back to having some fun.
Allan Saint-Maximin
For a player as explosive and skillful as ASM, it’s a shame that he’s been stuck in Steve Bruce’s restrictive system for this long. Imagine how fun Saint-Maximin would be to watch with a free-flowing, attack-centric club. While it would be quite a sight to see if he stuck around and was dribbling circles around defenders in the second division, he’s better off continuing his development elsewhere.
Callum Wilson
This would be the second straight summer where Wilson moved from a newly-relegated side. After departing Bournemouth last year, he’s been as good as advertised for the most part when healthy this season. He’s too qualified to spend 2021-22 in the Championship and should move to a Premier League club looking for a proven number nine.