The Newcastle United youngster has joined Barnsley on loan.
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez has explained his decision to loan out Adam Armstrong, speaking to the Chronicle.
There was a hope that the youngster would be given his first-team chance this season after impressing while on loan with Coventry City last year.
After the arrival of Dwight Gayle and Daryl Murphy in the summer transfer window, though, he found himself as fifth choice in Benitez’s plans this season.
A loan move to Barnsley was agreed instead to ensure he gets the regular football he needs for his development.
England U18’s Adam Armstrong celebrates after scoring their second goal
And Benitez says it was the need to have Armstrong playing regular football that influenced his decision to send him out on loan.
“I agree that Adam is a good striker, he has good ability and it can be an exciting future for him,” he told the Chronicle.
“But at the moment he is still young and with not so much experience. The best thing for Adam’s development as a player is to go on loan to a club where he will play regularly.”
Coventry’s Adam Armstrong shoot at goal
It will now be interesting to see how Armstrong fares in the Championship after Newcastle United deemed he would not get game time in their team.
He was a star performer in League One last season and will be keen to replicate that in a higher division this time around.
Indeed, his performances at a higher level are likely to prove key in the Magpies determining if he has a long-term future at St. James’ Park.
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez
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