Newcastle United have officially announced that Reading has signed Jeff Hendrick on loan via their website. The Irish midfielder scored the last goal of the Mike Ashley era in a 2-1 defeat against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
However, under Eddie Howe, he didn’t get much of a sniff. In January he joined Queens Park Rangers on loan but struggled to make an impact as they slipped down the table.
Since his return to training with the Magpies, he’s been training with the under-23s alongside Dwight Gayle and Ciaran Clark. The trio also didn’t travel with the rest of the squad to Austria for pre-season.
The Magpies need to open up as many spaces as they can, so Hendrick leaving on loan was very much needed. He could prove to be a strong acquisition for the Royals.
Reading boss Paul Ince is delighted with Hendrick loan move
Speaking to Reading’s club website, Paul Ince explained that he was delighted with Jeff Hendrick’s loan move. Furthermore, he thinks he can be an important player for them.
“Jeff is a midfielder I have admired for a long period of time.” He stated.
“He has the ability and experience to play in a number of roles across the midfield, he works hard, he wins the ball back, he can pick a pass and he can score goals too. A player of his experience will prove so important for this club going into the challenge of the Championship this season.”
With Reading signing Hendrick on loan, it will boost their midfield. The Republic of Ireland international should have plenty of motivation to impress with the Royals too. His loan with QPR didn’t work out, so it’s another opportunity to get first-team minutes.
In addition, it’s a chance for him to earn a move next summer. Reading currently aren’t in the best financial situation, hence why they had to loan him. But a strong campaign could attract other Championship clubs to buy him permanently.
Jeff Hendrick’s loan move benefits everyone. He is a player hungry for first-team minutes who gets that opportunity and Reading have gained an experienced midfielder. As for Newcastle they’re a step closer to permanently offloading a player they no longer need.
Considering the Magpies paid absolutely nothing for him, they could still make a profit from him. When you consider how lacklustre his stint has been, that would be great business from the club.
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