Matz Sels hasn’t given up hope of returning to Newcastle United.
Anderlecht goalkeeper Matz Sels has told Sport Voetbal Magazine that he isn’t giving up hope of a return to Newcastle United this summer.
After suffering relegation from the Premier League in 2016, Newcastle were in the market for a new goalkeeper, and they swooped to land Sels from Gent.
The Belgian had built up a strong reputation in his homeland having impressed for Gent, earning Belgian international call-ups as a result – but his time with Newcastle was largely miserable.
The 26-year-old started last season as Newcastle’s first choice, but was dropped in September and couldn’t reclaim his spot as Rafael Benitez went with Karl Darlow and Rob Elliot instead.
When the summer transfer opened, it was no surprise to see Sels leave St. James’ Park, as he returned to Belgium, penning a loan deal with Anderlecht until the end of the season.
Sels has made 31 appearances for Anderlecht, and they will now have to decide whether they want to sign him on a permanent basis this summer.
Now, Sels has told Sport Voetbal Magazine that he is open to speaking to Anderlecht about a permanent move, but he isn’t ready to close the chapter on his Newcastle career just yet.
“I am open to a conversation,” said Sels. “There isn’t anything wrong with that. I will listen to what they have to say and I want to know how much they want to keep me. But Newcastle is not a closed chapter for me either. I am still grateful to Rafael Benítez for having signed me,” he added.
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