With a huge sum of money burning a hole in his pocket, Eddie Howe has been trying to offload those who are unlikely to play at Newcastle, including Dwight Gayle.
The likes of Jeff Hendrick, Matty Longstaff, Ciaran Clark and Gayle were all told to train with the reserves, as the Magpies sought high-level replacements such as Bruno Guimaraes and Sven Botman.
Howe has already succeeded in offloading Hendrick and Clark, who have agreed loan deals with Reading and Sheffield United respectively.
Now, it is three down, one to go for Newcastle, as Gayle joins Stoke on a permanent basis.
What’s the story?
Well, the striker – a £10m signing from Crystal Palace back in 2016 – has departed St James’ Park for good, having spent the last six years on Tyneside.
Despite the fact Gayle’s contract expired in June 2024, The Sun believe he has joined Stoke on a free transfer, which represents a bargain for the Potters given how prolific he is in the Championship.
The 32-year-old made 122 appearances for Newcastle in total, scoring 34 goals while also providing 11 assists.
Gayle was crucial in helping the Magpies make an immediate return to the Premier League in 2017, scoring 23 goals in 32 outings as Newcastle won the Championship title.
Newcastle must replace Dwight Gayle
It seems strange to say, seeing as he only played 34 minutes of Premier League football last season, but Howe must find a replacement for Gayle.
Callum Wilson is very prone to injuries, so if Howe goes into the 2022/23 campaign with just him and Chris Wood as his striking options, Newcastle could be in for a difficult time.
Thankfully, it seems Howe is aware of this, as there is talk of an incoming bid for Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Speculation over a move for RB Salzburg wonderkid Benjamin Sesko is also rife, after the striker’s agent was spotted in Newcastle.
Make sure to keep a close eye on Newcastle, as we would be very surprised if a new striker didn’t arrive.
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