So Rolando Aarons is back from his loan spell at Slovan Liberac.
It was an odd move for the winger, who seemingly had no place at Newcastle under Rafa Benitez.
He wasn’t named in the Magpies’ 25-man squad for the season, nor did he receive a shirt number. However, his number 16 shirt is still available.
Aarons has had a torrid time in recent years, with multiple false dawns. He showed a lot of promise in cameo appearances, but was ultimately struck down by injury.
His latest loan spell away from the club is over, so what next for a man who was previously tipped for great things?
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Last chance saloon for Aarons?
With a contract at the club until 2021, Newcastle need to decide what they want to do with Aarons. The sooner they get rid of him, the more money they will get. But with two-and-a-half years left on his deal, can they get him firing in black and white once again?
January should see the 23-year-old get one last chance to shine, starting with the FA Cup game against Blackburn.
By no means should Newcastle play a weakened team in the cup, but it is a chance for Benitez to test out some fringe players. It is the perfect opportunity to see if Aarons still has the hunger to play for Newcastle.
If he proves a point, then he can be included in the Premier League squad and play a role in trying to keep the Magpies in the division.
We aren’t blessed with options out wide, so a firing Aarons could be a real boost. Christian Atsu has had somewhat of a renaissance, so why not Aarons? It’s not like Jacob Murphy has hit the heights, so the Bristol-born midfielder could quickly work his way up the pecking order.
With the way things are at Newcastle, we cannot rely on reinforcements in January. Benitez should take the chance to have one more look at Aarons, as he could have a part to play in the coming months.
