Newcastle United are in need of a striker right now, while one of their former forwards has just secured themselves a new club.
The Magpies are currently without Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson, which is forcing Anthony Gordon to play as a striker. We even saw Harvey Barnes briefly play through the middle against Bournemouth on Saturday.
Eddie Howe was asked on Friday about the possibility of signing a free agent, but the options were limited.
One of those options was Dwight Gayle, who left Newcastle United to join Stoke City in July 2022. He signed a two-year deal with the Potters, but his time there was cut short earlier this month.
As Gayle headed into the final few months of his Stoke contract, it was terminated.
The 34-year-old has spent the last few weeks being a free agent, but now he has got himself a new club.
Dwight Gayle celebrates Derby County deal
It was announced on Monday that Gayle has signed a deal with League One side Derby County until the end of the season.
Following the announcement, he took to his official Instagram account to express his delight at finding a new team.
He wrote: “Excited to join Derby County for the remainder of the season.”
Gayle’s post prompted replies from a couple of his former Newcastle United teammates.
Emil Krafth commented: “All the best bro.”
Isaac Hayden added: “Let’s go.”
Gayle has struggled since Newcastle exit
Gayle will hope this can be a fresh start for him, as he has massively struggled in recent years.
He has not had a prolific season since his loan spell with West Brom in the Championship during the 2018/19 season. During that year he scored 24 goals.
The Championship has always looked like Gayle’s level, which is why a move from Newcastle to Stoke seemed ideal. However, a year and a half in red and white only brought him three goals in all competitions.
Now he is in League One, which is actually a division that Gayle has never played in. Hopefully he thrives at the age of 34.
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