Keep or release? What Newcastle should do with their players out of contracts this summer

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Newcastle United currently have four players on permanent deals who are set to see their contracts expire this summer.

Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez

One of the advantages of Newcastle opening up a lead at the top of the Championship is that they are edging closer to automatic promotion back in the Premier League, and handing Rafa Benitez the luxury of having more time to prepare for what looks set to be a return to the top flight.

One of the key decisions that Benitez will need to make surrounds four players at Newcastle whose deals at St James’ Park expire at the end of the season (via transfermarkt). So what should the Magpies boss do? Here is our verdict on the quartet…

Sammy Ameobi

Sammy Ameobi has never quite proved that he has the potential to make a major impact for Newcastle. He spent a significant portion of the season on loan with League One side Bolton, and has only featured on a couple of occasions for Benitez’s men this term. A return to the highest level will surely do little for his chances of earning a new deal.

Verdict: Release

Sammy Ameobi

Haris Vuckic

Haris Vuckic is another player who appears destined to move this summer, having not appeared for the Magpies for several years. He has also spent some time in the third tier on loan – with Bradford City – and has made little impact at Valley Parade.

Verdict: Release

Yoan Gouffran

Newcastle United’s Yoan Gouffran

Yoan Gouffran looks to be well on his way to enjoying his best season in a Newcastle shirt, having scored five goals and contributed three assists in the Championship. He has not always earned the support of fans, but his form this term suggests that he is probably deserving of an extension. Promotion may actually damage his hopes of staying as they may perhaps look to significantly strengthen. But as things stand, a new deal probably makes sense.

Verdict: Keep

Vurnon Anita

Vurnon Anita may not be a headline-grabber when it comes to his performances on the pitch, but he is undoubtedly an extremely useful player to have in Benitez’s squad. He is capable of playing almost anywhere in defence and midfield, and a player with that level of versatility would be hard to replace if they let him leave this summer.

Verdict: Keep