According to reports, Yoshinori Muto is set to finally leave Newcastle United and join Vissel Kobe.
The Japanese forward has had a nightmare three years at St James’ Park, arriving in 2018 for a rather sizeable £9.5million.
Muto will go down as one of Rafa Benitez’s worst signings, particularly with the amount of money spent.
He scored just two goals for the Magpies, with only one coming in the Premier League.
Last season he went out on loan to Spain, spending the year at Eibar. Unfortunately, that ended in disappointment as well, with his temporary club suffering relegation.
Muto has featured in pre-season for the Magpies, but never looked likely to feature in Steve Bruce’s plans.
He was recently linked with a move to Greece, but that no longer appears to be happening.
Instead, reports claim he is heading back to his native Japan for the first time since 2015.
Vissel Kobe reportedly ending Newcastle nightmare for Yoshinori Muto
According to Sky Sports (August 2nd, 7.36pm), the 29-year-old has agreed a permanent move to Vissel Kobe.
The fact that it is reportedly a permanent move is perfect. Muto’s Toon contract expires next summer, with the forward earning £54,000-per-week.
Getting him off the wage bill will only boost Steve Bruce’s transfer kitty, with money seemingly tight at St James’ Park.
It will give Muto a chance to restart his career as well, and he will gain some illustrious teammates.
Thomas Vermaelen and World Cup winner Andres Iniesta currently play for Vissel Kobe.
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