Reported Newcastle United transfer target Matthias Ginter has said on Instagram he will not be extending his contract with Borussia Monchengladbach.
It was reported earlier this month that Ginter was on Newcastle’s shortlist heading into January.
The Germany international has apparently been mentioned as a possible option, amid Newcastle’s defensive struggles.
It seems Ginter will be changing clubs in 2022, with the player taking to Instagram yesterday.
He said: “After much deliberation, I decided not to extend the contract that was due to expire in the summer.
“After 5 great years at Borussia Mönchengladbach, it is very difficult for me to take this step, but I have decided to take another path in my career for my personal and professional development
Journalist Fabrizio Romano then tweeted to say that Inter Milan are considering a swoop for the 27-year-old.
Then he added there are three clubs currently interested in Ginter from three different countries.
It remains to be seen if Newcastle are one of those clubs and if an approach will be made.
At the moment it seems Ginter could see out the season with Gladbach and leave at the end of his contract.
Newcastle, of course, need to make signings for the here and now.
The threat of relegation is very real, and Eddie Howe needs new defenders desperately. The Magpies currently have the joint-worst defensive record in the Premier League.
Newcastle must look to seal January signing of Matthias Ginter, rather than wait
It seems pretty clear that Ginter will be moving on – and Newcastle, if they are really interested, need to be seeing about a January transfer.
It is no good waiting until the end of the season to pick him up when he becomes a free agent.
By that point, the club may well have dropped into the Championship.
Really, Newcastle ought to endeavour to sign him next month. The club can easily afford to make that happen. So if the player is willing to jump ship before his contract ends, then Newcastle should not think twice.
Given his message on Instagram, he seems to have his eye on playing the second half of 2021/22.
But Newcastle at least have the financial means to tempt him into an earlier exit.
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