Report: Newcastle United will sell Matz Sels to Anderlecht on one condition

Follow us on Google Discover

Anderlecht are keen to keep on-loan Newcastle United goalkeeper Matz Sels in the Jupiler League next season.

It seems that it would be best for all parties if Matz Sels never returned to Newcastle United.

The Belgian goalkeeper has not played a league game for The Magpies since a 1-1 draw with Aston Villa in October 2016 and, after falling down the pecking order after a series of mistakes, the most expensive ‘keeper in Newcastle’s history now finds himself on loan at Anderlecht.

With Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez on the lookout for new shot-stoppers in the summer, and with a deal in place to sign Martin Dubravka permanently, it appears there is no room for Sels at St James’ Park.

Fortunately, the 26-year-old has done more than enough at Anderlecht to convince the reigning Jupiler League champions to try and sign him on a full-time basis at the end of the current campaign.

According to Het Nieuwsblad, Newcastle are indeed willing to let the Purple and Whites keep the former Gent goalkeeper – but they want to recoup the £5 million they paid for him back in the summer of 2016.

And it is understood that Anderlecht could only afford this fee if they qualify for the group-stages of the Champions League next season. That is easier said than done.

Anderlecht are second in the table right now, 12 points adrift of runaway leaders Charleroi, so would need to navigate two potentially tricky play-off rounds to reach the Champions League proper.

Sels, therefore, faces a situation where he is left in limbo at Newcastle until Anderlecht know whether or not they will have a seat at Europe’s top table, which will not be until late in August.