Siem de Jong is currently away from Newcastle United, enjoying a season-long loan spell with Eredivisie giants PSV Eindhoven.
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez
Rafael Benitez has told the Chronicle that while he is pleased to see Newcastle forward Siem de Jong doing well out on loan, his future will be decided at the end of the season.
After an injury-plagued spell at St James’ Park, the 28-year-old returned to the Netherlands in the summer to join Eredivisie side PSV Eindhoven on a season-long loan.
Life back in his home country has certainly gone much more to plan for de Jong, with six goals and one assist coming in 15 league games for PSV this term. But Benitez was still keen to keep his cards close to his chest regarding his future.
“We are following all the players on loan, we try to watch their games and keep in touch with them regularly. We will decide what is the best for us and them at the end of the season, but I’m happy to see him doing well of course,” he told the Chronicle, when asked about de Jong.
With de Jong’s contract set to run until 2020 (via transfermarkt), the ball seems to be in Newcastle’s court, regarding what happens with his future.
Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez with Siem De Jong
But while there is a different atmosphere around the Magpies this season, and thus, Benitez may want to move a lot of the players brought in during previous regimes on in an attempt to maintain the almost completely clean slate, de Jong’s form should arguably have the Spaniard sitting up and taking notice.
De Jong has started just seven times in the top flight, which undoubtedly makes his record all the more impressive, and he has achieved that strike-rate having played in a number of positions and in a strong league.
That versatility may perhaps make him an extremely useful player to have around should Newcastle secure a return to the Premier League this season.
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