Cheick Tiote could leave Newcastle United for the UAE.
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez shed some light on Cheick Tiote’s situation at the club, claiming the midfielder’s exit could be imminent, as quoted on the club’s official website.
The 30-year-old Ivory Coast international moved to St James’ Park in August 2010, and soon became an integral part of the Newcastle side.
Tiote has made 153 appearances for the Magpies, but his importance to the side has diminished over the past two seasons, and he has made just 26 league starts over that period.
Newcastle’s Cheick Tiote
Benitez described how a deal to take Tiote to the United Arab Emirates could still be struck, with the transfer window there still open, as quoted by nufc.co.uk:
“The transfer window in UAE is still open and there may be an offer for Cheick Tiote. We are waiting and he is training with us and will see.”
Newcastle United’s Cheick Tiote
Tiote has been left out of every single matchday squad by Benitez this season, so the writing is surely on the wall for the Ivorian.
The Magpies have made an impressive recovery from a tough start to life in the Championship, with three consecutive league wins, and have an impressive array of talent amongst their squad.
It was most likely the signing of Mohamed Diame from Hull City which truly signalled the end of Tiote’s first-team chances, and after Benitez’s comments today, it looks like his move away from the club could happen sooner rather than later.
Cheick Tiote celebrates after scoring for Newcastle
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