Newcastle United feared Ryan Fraser regretted joining the Magpies and may have needed to secure a transfer away before sacking Steve Bruce and hiring Eddie Howe in November.
That’s according to The Athletic, who report Toon chiefs grew increasingly concerned over Fraser’s mindset under their former manager. Some St James’ Park figures felt the winger was ‘disgruntled’ at the club and could rue joining after links to top-six sides like Arsenal.
Everton, Crystal Palace and Watford had also made the Scotland international offers after leaving Bournemouth as a free agent. Bruce, though, helped convince Fraser of a move to Tyneside as the Toon deemed him a statement signing as one of the league’s top creators.
However, Fraser struggled to adapt at Newcastle following his free transfer and suffered a raft of injuries under Bruce. He also struggled to build rapport with his new teammates as covid measures limited chances to socialise outside of training at the club’s Benton ground.
Fraser and Bruce also failed to strike a close-knit bond, to all in all leave the attacker always appearing unhappy at training. And before Howe’s arrival to replace Bruce, Newcastle even sensed Fraser may have to leave during an imminent transfer window to revive his career.
Howe helping Fraser shake off Bruce gloom at Newcastle
Fraser’s former Bournemouth boss, Howe, replacing Bruce at Newcastle has eased fears of any imminent transfer for the winger. His performances on the pitch are improving week-by-week and the mood at Benton has positively changed in line with the change in coach.
Chris Sutton has noted the improvements Howe has helped coax from Fraser at Newcastle in recent weeks. The former Celtic star told BBC Radio 5 Live: “Fraser had lost his way at Newcastle up until the last couple of games where he looks a confident player again.”
Fraser offered his first Premier League goal this season to help the Magpies beat Everton 3-1 earlier this month. But the 27-year-old – who Alex McLeish labelled ‘dangerous’ under Howe at Bournemouth – still only has the one assist over 18 appearances, starting just 11.
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