While Newcastle United are closing in on Champions League qualification, one man employed by the club has just suffered relegation to League One.
That is because Reading have officially have been relegated from the Championship, where Jeff Hendrick is currently on loan.
Newcastle sent the midfielder to the Royals at the start of the season, and he has been a consistent presence in their midfield. However, he has not been able to inspire the Berkshire-based club, whose demotion to the third tier of English football has been confirmed.
Huddersfield Town beat Sheffield United on Thursday night, meaning Neil Warnock’s side are safe from relegation. The result also condemned Reading to the drop, who head down to League One alongside Blackpool and Wigan Athletic.
Relegation is obviously devastating for Reading, like it is any club. They have not played in the third tier since 2002.
But that is where they will be next season – most likely without Hendrick.
No way Newcastle will be able to sell Jeff Hendrick to Reading
Earlier in the year, there was hope that Newcastle could send Hendrick to Reading permanently. He is still under contract with the Magpies until 2024, burning a hole in the club’s pocket with his £50,000-a-week wages.
Paul Ince has stated his desire to sign the midfielder permanently – but only if they remained in the Championship.
Our chances of selling Hendrick to Reading had already taken a hit before relegation was confirmed, with Ince losing his job due to poor form.
Now they are going to be in League One, which should all but rule out a return to the Royals for the Republic Of Ireland international.
It is difficult to see him wanting to drop down another division, while the biggest stumbling block will be wages.
That means Newcastle will have to go back to the drawing board and find another suitor for the 31-year-old.
He is certainly a player that will leave the club this summer, as Eddie Howe has no use for him at St James’ Park – especially in a team that could be playing Champions League football.