Getting someone to sign Dwight Gayle from Newcastle United is proving to be difficult.
The striker is one of multiple players the club are trying to move on this summer, as Eddie Howe’s squad goes through a period of evolution.
Newcastle have made three first-team signings so far during the summer window, and hope to add at least two more. A winger and a striker is being targeted.
It’s also important that the Magpies move players on, but that is proving to be difficult. Isaac Hayden has joined Norwich on loan, while Freddie Woodman has gone to Preston. However, they are the only two senior departures so far.
Gayle has been expected to leave to leave Newcastle this summer, but that is seemingly easier said than done.
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Dwight Gayle departure proving to be ‘extremely difficult’
According to the Northern Echo, Newcastle are struggling to get Gayle off the books. They add there is Championship interest in him, but clubs are finding it ‘extremely difficult’ to put together a deal.
The 32-year-old’s wages are the issue. He’s reportedly on £40,000-a-week at St James’ Park. The Northern Echo add that teams are struggling to match Newcastle’s demands and satisfy Gayle’s financial needs as well.
Sadly, this was always going to be the issue for the Magpies this summer. We have a bloated squad full of players who are no longer required.
However, they have stayed at Newcastle longer than necessary on big contracts because it was deemed cheaper than buying a replacement by the previous ownership. That was the case with Gayle, who extended his contract last year until 2024.
While Mike Ashley has gone, his failures are still hindering us.
Gayle in a difficult position as teams struggle to sign him
It’s easy to say that Gayle should just go and play football somewhere else, but it isn’t that easy.
He signed a contract with Newcastle for a good amount of money, and is more than entitled to see it out rather than earn much less elsewhere. On top of that, he will likely be settled in the area after six years in the North East.
However, Gayle simply isn’t going to play for Newcastle this season. He barely featured last time out, making just five appearances after Eddie Howe was appointed. They all came as a late substitute.
He’s the kind of player that would be brilliant for a Championship club. He’s proven in the past how good he can be in the second tier. Signing him could be what propels a team towards promotion.
But the finances aren’t right at the moment, and that is preventing Gayle from leaving Newcastle United.