Newcastle United are in advanced talks to sell striker Yoshinori Muto to Greek outfit Aris Thessaloniki, according to Sportime, after a disappointing year on loan at Eibar last season.
Aris have held talks with Muto and his representatives over a move to the Kleanthis Vikelidis Stadium. Theos tou Polemou want to reinforce manager Akis Mantzios’ squad this summer after qualifying for the Europa Conference League.
Yet Aris ended the regular 2020/21 Super League season a distant 16-points behind leaders Olympiacos. Mantzios then oversaw just two wins in 10 play-off games to slip behind PAOK Thessaloniki. Theos tou Polemou also ended the term with the least goals in the top-four.
Mantzios hopes Muto will be able to help Aris boast a greater offensive return next season amid talks with Newcastle. The Toon are open to letting the 29-year-old leave St James’ Park on a permanent deal, as well, having now entered the final year of his contract.
Newcastle handed Muto a £54,000-per-week deal when signed from Mainz in 2018. Rafa Benitez sanctioned a £9.5m transfer for the Japan international, who held out for a move to Tyneside. But his career in black-and-white failed to boast a desirable outcome.
Newcastle will gladly sell Muto to Aris Thessaloniki
Muto amassed just 28 appearances and two goals in all competitions for Newcastle before joining La Liga side Eibar on a season-long loan last summer. His maiden strike suggested the signs were promising for the striker at the time, after netting against Manchester United.
It was only the 29-cap international’s seventh Premier League appearance and first top-flight start, as well. But he would only add to his record against Leicester in the Carabao Cup and start nine further fixtures. His Foxes strike also ending a 10-month goal drought.
Muto was barely any better for Eibar, either, with three goals and two assists in 28 outings. He also only started 13 of his 26 La Liga appearances, in which he scored once – coming in November. Outside of that, his goals came against lower-tier outfits in the Copa del Rey.
So, Newcastle will gladly sell Muto if Aris are able to agree on personal terms with the Benitez signing. Steve Bruce will not be expecting the Tokyo native to make an impact in his squad, so a separation is the only realistic option to avoid a free exit next year.
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