Newcastle United could do with selling some players this month to help with profit and sustainability rules, but the Magpies do not have many saleable assets that they would be willing to lose.
There is fear in the long run that someone big like Bruno Guimaraes or Alexander Isak might have to leave the Magpies, while it has even been claimed that the club could decide to let academy lad Sean Longstaff go.
Each scenario sounds massively unlikely and incredibly unappealing, but one player who Toon fans would happily see leave St James’ Park permanently is Ryan Fraser.
The winger was axed by Eddie Howe at the beginning of 2023, and eventually secured a move away from Tyneside during the summer.
He joined Southampton on a season-long loan, and has been doing very well on the south coast for Russell Martin’s side.
Fraser has made 23 appearances in all competitions so far, with his most recent coming in the 4-0 FA Cup win over Walsall on Saturday. The Scotland international was in inspired form that day, scoring twice and providing an assist.
His performance has led to noise that he could join Southampton permanently this month, but their manager has played down those suggestions despite his desire for a deal.
Russell Martin wants Southampton to sign Ryan Fraser permanently
Russell Martin has spoke to the Daily Echo about Fraser’s future, and was asked about the possibility of Southampton making his loan deal permanent during the January transfer window.
“I don’t know, it’s out of my remit really,” he said.
“Would I like to make it permanent? Yes. The chance of that happening I think, because of the finances involved, the timing and his situation, is low.
“I don’t know if it will be feasible right now but he just needs to keep doing what he is doing, he is in a really good place and enjoying it.
“We will see but I am pretty sure he would love to stay here beyond this season.”
Ryan Fraser will never play for Newcastle United again
While Martin would like Southampton to sign Fraser permanently, it does not sound like they will be able to.
Hopefully that changes in the summer, as Fraser is a player who has no future at Newcastle United. He will never play for the club again, despite having a contract on Tyneside that runs until 2025.
His move to Newcastle was exciting at the time – he looked like a smart signing. However, that did not prove to be the case.
Other than one purple patch, Fraser was largely disappointing in black and white. But he looks much more comfortable in a Southampton shirt, which is why Martin wants him at St Mary’s long-term.
However, money is going to stop that from happening right now.
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