Four senior players set to leave NUFC this week - Good news for Rafa Benitez
With our squad in major need of trimming, it will come as welcome news to Rafa Benitez that Massaido Haidara, Jesus Gamez, Chancel Mbemba and Matz Sels all look set seal permanent moves away St James' Park this week.
It doesn't appear to be a 'sell before you buy' summer (we signed Dubravka before any goalkeeper outgoings), however it's quite clear that we have a lot of deadwood on our books, so releasing some of that will go a long way towards raising funds, reducing the wage bill and creating space in our overcrowded squad.
Starting with Haidara and Gamez, neither will command a fee, but it will be seen as a good job done getting both off our books when their contracts officially expire at the end of the month (especially the latter who's said to be on a decent wage).
The Chronicle report today that the Frenchman could be set to sign a two-year-deal with Ligue 2 side Lens, while the Spaniard looks set to return to his homeland in search of a new club.
With regards to Sels and Mbemba, it's reported in Belgium that the pair have already agreed to contracts with Anderlecht, who appear to be closing in on a £9m double deal.
It's not a great deal of money for two international players at a good age, but it's more money that *should* top up Rafa's budget this summer.
https://twitter.com/BlackWhiteBarmy/status/1004331464778027008
All four players clearly have no future at NUFC, so it'll be a step in the right direction to move them on as far as Rafa's concerned.
This would just be a start too. There's also Colback, Lazaar, Saivet - and I wouldn't bet against the likes of Aarons, Manquillo, Joselu, Gayle and Darlow being up for grabs too.
Hopefully soon we'll see some signings start to filter in as a result - although I suspect the signing of a proven striker may have to wait until we cash in on Mitrovic.
