It looks like Yoshinori Muto could be leaving Newcastle United during this summer’s transfer window.
The Japanese forward returned to the club after a loan spell with Eibar, but seemed unlikely to get another chance at St James’ Park.
Muto did feature in Newcastle’s first pre-season game against York, but wasn’t even on the bench for the 3-2 win over Doncaster on Friday.
It has been reported for a while that the Magpies will consider offers for Muto, and it looks like he could be close to a departure.
According to Sportime, the 29-year-old is in advanced talks with Greek club Aris Thessaloniki.
It is unclear whether it will be a permanent move or another loan deal.
But with Muto’s Toon contract set to expire next summer, a permanent departure is needed, otherwise he’ll leave for nothing in 2022.
Yoshinori Muto had a disaster after Newcastle transfer
He was signed by Rafa Benitez back in 2018, costing £9.5million from Mainz.
Muto was an expensive signing, and one that has proven to be an absolute disaster.
The forward had one great game in a Toon shirt – the defeat to Manchester United away in 2018.
Sadly, that was the only high quality performance from the Japan international.
In total, Muto has scored just two goals in all competitions for Newcastle. He struggled under Benitez, and things didn’t change under Steve Bruce.
A permanent move to Greece would be ideal for all parties. Newcastle need to get him off the wage bill, and Muto needs to restart his career.
If he does move to Aris, he will get the chance to play alongside Kostas Mitroglou, another Premier League flop.
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