Report: Fraser told Howe he wanted to change position in pre-season

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Ryan Fraser reportedly told Eddie Howe in pre-season that he would like to change his position.

That is according to the Athletic, who claim that the 28-year-old asked the Newcastle manager to play him on the left wing rather than the right.

Fraser was predominantly used on the left at Bournemouth, but his best football in a Toon shirt came on the right. That is where he thrived at the start of the year, forming a wonderful partnership with Kieran Trippier.

It led to Fraser looking as good as he ever has since joining Newcastle, dovetailing brilliantly with the England international.

But this season has been much tougher for Fraser, who has been limited to three Premier League starts. They all came on the left wing due to the absence of Allan Saint-Maximin.

Yet while the Frenchman has missed a lot of games this season, Fraser has not been the automatic replacement. He is seemingly Howe’s fourth choice left winger, with Joelinton and Jacob Murphy playing ahead of him during ASM’s injury absence.

Now it has been claimed that Fraser wants to leave, with his pre-season plea backfiring.

Position change was a bad idea from Fraser

In the summer of 2021, Fraser asked to be taught how to play as a centre midfielder so he could get into Steve Bruce’s side. It highlighted his desire to get in the team and make a difference.

Fast forward to the summer of 2022 and Fraser has made a similar request – this time wanting to go from right winger to left winger.

But given Newcastle’s options in those positions, he would have been better off staying on the right. At the start of the season, Miguel Almiron was not the red hot phenomenon that he is today. Sure, he excelled in pre-season, but there was no guarantee he would carry it into the Premier League.

But the Paraguayan has since gone on to become Newcastle’s most influential attacker, unchallenged for a place on the right of attack.

There was also speculation in the summer that the Magpies would sign a right winger. Fraser’s desire to be on the left may have been a contributing factor.

Regardless, it is a decision that has backfired for Fraser. He now looks likely to leave Newcastle next month, with Premier League clubs keen to give him the minutes he needs.