Newcastle United loanee Rodrigo Vilca is likely to return to Tyneside in January following a ‘disappointing spell’ at Doncaster Rovers.
The Peruvian joined the League One side on a six-month loan at the end of August in his first loan move since joining Newcastle from Deportivo Municipal in October 2020.
Although the 22-year-old has shown snippets of his quality, which was highlighted by his goal and two assists in the EFL Trophy victory against Scunthorpe, Vilca has struggled to nail down a regular place in the starting line-up.
Playing in a side that is battling relegation has made it more challenging for Vilca and following the departure of former manager Richie Wellens, the attacking midfielder hasn’t been included in the two matchday squads that caretaker manager Gary McSheffrey has taken charge off.
Vilca has made 13 appearances so far this season for the Keepmoat Stadium side, nine of which have been starts. He also made three starts for Newcastle’s under-23s side at the start of the campaign.
However, whilst fellow loanee Ethan Galbraith, of Manchester United, has established himself as a key part of the Doncaster side, Vilca has remained on the periphery.
Local paper Doncaster Free Press have stated that the indications are Vilca will not be staying with Rovers beyond January after a ‘disappointing spell’.
They claim that Vilca has ‘offered very brief flashes’ of ‘individual quality’, but that he ‘does not look suited to the rigours of English football’s third tier’.
Although it looks unlikely that Doncaster will not extend Vilca’s loan, the experience would have been invaluable for the youngster and the club could find him a better suited club in the new year, potentially stepping down a level to League Two.
However, if another loan move doesn’t materialise for the remainder of the season, Vilca will be reintegrated into the under-23s side and continue his development there.
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