With Newcastle set to sign Bruno Guimaraes from Lyon, attentions may soon have to turn to departures.
While January has all been about improving the squad, Eddie Howe now has more players than he needs.
It lacked quality in key areas, but it’s been inflated all season. And with only 25 players allowed in the Premier League squad, some will need to be moved on if they’re to play competitive football in the second half of the campaign.
And one player who Newcastle should look to move on is Jeff Hendrick.
Newcastle have no use for Jeff Hendrick now
The midfielder joined the Magpies in 2020, arriving on a free from Burnley. At the time, he looked like an astute signing – a squad player who could do a job.
He certainly impressed on his debut, providing an assist and netting a cracker in a 2-0 win over West Ham. Sadly, that was about as good as it got in a Toon shirt for Hendrick.
The Republic of Ireland international eventually dropped out of the starting XI. He hasn’t started a Premier League game since March 7th 2021; a 0-0 draw with West Brom last season.
Hendrick has barely played this season too, starting just once, and that came in the EFL Cup defeat to Burnley.
Interestingly, he scored the final goal of the Mike Ashley era, finding the net in a 2-1 defeat to Wolves.
But things haven’t changed since the takeover and Howe became manager. In fact, he’s only played 10 minutes of football under the new boss.
So with a new centre-midfielder arriving, it is time for Hendrick to find a new club. He already isn’t playing for the Magpies, and the £35million arrival of Guimaraes will only make things tougher for the 29-year-old.
Whether it’s to a Championship club or another Premier League side, Hendrick needs to find a new home. He simply isn’t needed at St James’ Park.
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