‘Done’… 29-year-old player confirms he does not want to be at Newcastle United next season

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Newcastle United is a great place to play football right now, but one player is keen to ensure that he is not at St James’ Park next season.

The player in question is Ryan Fraser, who is currently on loan at Championship side Southampton after Eddie Howe dropped him from the Newcastle United first-team.

Fraser was forced to train with the youth team almost a year go, and now appears to have found a new home on the South Coast.

The winger is doing very well for Southampton, with their manager Russell Martin admitting that he would like to sign the 29-year-old permanently. However, that probably will not be possible during the January transfer window.

But Martin wants to keep Fraser at Southampton beyond his season-long loan, and it appears that the feeling is mutual.

Ryan Fraser knows his Newcastle career is over

Fraser has been speaking to the Daily Echo about his future, admitting that he thinks his time as a Newcastle United player is over.

“I think my time at Newcastle is done now,” he said.

“I don’t think you get put out on loan if there is a chance of you going back.

“The second half of last season was tough as we have all seen. Coming here was about helping the team in any way that I could. That has been coming off the bench and making an impact in games. It’s such a good feeling to help the team.”

Fraser added: “Promotion is the first thing on my mind, but hopefully I have a good end to the season and the club want to keep me. Every time I step onto the pitch or into Staplewood, I need to give myself the best opportunity because there is no place I want to be other than Southampton next season.”

Hopefully Newcastle and Southampton can agree a deal this summer

As it stands, Fraser will be back at Newcastle this summer. His contract with the Magpies will have one year left to run, with his deal due to expire in 2025.

But there is no way back for him on Tyneside. Howe cut his losses last season, and Fraser is under no illusions. He knows that he will never play for Newcastle United again.

It is very encouraging to hear that he is so open about staying at Southampton, and that the Saints are keen to keep him. That should mean it is a straightforward deal to do, as Newcastle continue to trim their squad and get rid of the deadwood.

Getting Fraser off the wage bill will be a real boost, at a time when the Magpies are being hamstrung by profit and sustainability rules. It is hindering Howe’s ability to strengthen his squad during the January transfer window.

It is a shame that Southampton are not going to sign Fraser now, but at least it remains a possibility for the summer. It is certainly what Fraser wants, having made his intentions perfectly clear.