Newcastle United are reportedly poised to release Massadio Haidara.
According to The Chronicle, Newcastle United are set to release defender Massadio Haidara this summer after more than five years with the club.
The Magpies swooped to land Haidara from French club Nancy back in January 2013 having been in the market for a new left back, and were hoping to see Haidara flourish on Tyneside.
However, the former France Under-21 international has endured an injury-ravaged stay at St. James’ Park, making a grand total of just 52 appearances in more than five years as a Newcastle player.
With just four appearances under Rafael Benitez, it’s clear that Haidara has no future at Newcastle, and with his contract running out this summer, The Chronicle claim that Newcastle are ready to release him this summer.
The report also brings up the decision Newcastle made in January 2013, which was to sign Haidara for a relatively cheap price, rather than pay Southampton’s £7million asking price for Luke Shaw.
Newcastle had, allegedly, wanted to lure Shaw to the North East having shown promise in the Southampton ranks, but the Magpies weren’t keen on paying £7m for the teenager, and signed Haidara instead.
18 months later, Shaw moved to Manchester United for four times that amount, but Newcastle may have a chance to rectify that mistake this summer.
Shaw has failed to prove himself to United boss Jose Mourinho, and with The Chronicle reporting that Newcastle are on red alert for a possible summer deal given that manager Benitez wanted to sign him in January, the Magpies could finally land Shaw – just as Haidara leaves, in an ironic twist.
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