The Netherlands international signed for Newcastle in 2014, but injuries have curtailed his progress on Tyneside.
Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez with Siem De Jong
Following news that PSV Eindhoven don’t want to sign Newcastle United midfielder Siem De Jong, Magpies boss Rafael Benitez should give the Netherlands international another crack of the whip at St James’ Park.
De Jong’s time with Newcastle has been ravaged by injuries, with the 28-year-old only scoring twice in 26 games for the club – despite being an attacking midfielder – and, according to the Newcastle Chronicle, he was sent to PSV by Benitez in order to regain his fitness in a league he knows well, as opposed to the rough and tumble of the Championship.
That move by Benitez worked out well, with De Jong scoring six in 23 for Dutch side PSV, regaining his form and fitness back in his native country in the progress, and now returns to Newcastle as a better player than before.
For this reason, Benitez should feel inclined to give De Jong another chance at Newcastle and see if he can replicate his form that a) led Newcastle to sign him initially and b) he’s just shown he’s capable of with PSV.
Siem De Jong scores the second goal for Newcastle
In some ways, it would feel like a new signing, and a midfield three of Isaac Hayden, Jonjo Shelvey and De Jong just ahead of them could prove fruitful for the Magpies as they bid to make gains in the Premier League.
Ultimately, the final decision will rest with Benitez and there’s every possibility he will want to bring in someone else for that attacking midfield position, but at least for pre-season, De Jong should be given a shot to prove himself.
Newcastle United’s Siem De Jong shoots at goal
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