Ryan Fraser looks incredibly likely to leave Newcastle United this month, and the Athletic’s Chris Waugh has provided an update on his future.
The winger has barely featured for the Magpies this season. He has been limited to just three starts, leading frustration over his minutes.
It was then reported late last year that the 28-year-old wanted to leave, with the Telegraph stating that he was frustrated with life at St James’ Park.
Fraser has interest in the Premier League, with Southampton and Brentford reportedly keen on signing the Scotland international. And Newcastle are willing to listen to offers.
However, we are now almost two weeks into the January window and Fraser remains on Tyneside. A move still is not forthcoming, despite the fact that all signs appear to lead towards him leaving this month.
Chris Waugh on Ryan Fraser’s Newcastle future
In a Q&A for the Athletic, reporter Chris Waugh has provided some information on Fraser’s future at the club. He has stated that while the club would prefer to sell him, that might not be possible.
On the subject of outgoings, Waugh wrote: “Part of the reason why Ryan Fraser isn’t being used much is that he is available to go (preferably permanently, but maybe more likely on loan), and Jamal Lewis was going to be made available for loan, but Matt Targett’s injury means that is not feasible in the short term.”
Matt Targett’s injury means that Jamal Lewis is likely to remain at Newcastle for the moment, but there is seemingly nothing stopping Fraser from leaving the club – other than a potential suitor.
Fraser needs a move away
The clearest indication that Fraser is likely to leave is how little he has played lately. His last competitive appearance came in the 1-0 win over Everton back in October.
Since then he has either watched on from the bench or not been included in the squad at all. His only recent minutes came during the trip to Saudi Arabia, where he came off the bench to provide an assist for Dylan Stephenson against Al Hilal.
With Fraser sometimes not even getting on the bench, it is clear that his future lies away from St James’ Park – whether that is permanently or on loan.
Waugh believes that a loan deal is currently more likely, which is not ideal for the Magpies. They would have been hoping to sell Fraser so that they could reinvest the money back into the squad.
But with no offers forthcoming at the moment, a permanent departure is looking unlikely – such has been the case with most of Newcastle’s fringe players over the past year.
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