Newcastle’s hopes of keeping DeAndre Yedlin long-term have been boosted by the United States’ failure to reach the biggest stage of all.
International stars plying their trade below the elite at club level often head to World Cup finals tournaments knowing they have the opportunity to earn a big move.
It is something DeAndre Yedlin will be well aware of.
The United States right-back scraped a place in Jurgen Klinsmann’s squad for the 2014 World Cup and then, despite sometimes flattering to deceive for Seattle Sounders FC, his performances in Brazil caught the eye of Tottenham Hotspur.
Yedlin’s career in London did not pan out quite as he would have hoped, but the defender has developed into a fine player under Rafa Benitez at Newcastle United.
He will not be at next year’s World Cup in Russia, however, with USA beaten away to Trinidad and Tobago in qualifying to miss out on the finals – and that could suit Newcastle.
Yedlin’s improvement with Benitez’s help has been rapid and he boasts a unique athletic skillset that would make him an interesting prospect for any top side.
Having impressed enough three years ago to attract the attention of a top team, the Magpies could reasonably fear that there would be further interest in Yedlin if he starred next summer.
As it is, despite impressing in the recent international break, Yedlin will not be travelling to Russia and Newcastle’s chances of keeping a key man have been significantly boosted.
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