Siem De Jong restored his reputation during a loan spell at PSV Eindhoven but that may not be enough for a second chance at Newcastle United
Siem De Jong has only made 22 league appearances for Newcastle
Siem De Jong was hardly subtle about his desire to kick-start his Newcastle United career next season, as reported by The Chronicle.
The Dutchman has been dogged with a wide range of injury issues since completing a surprise move from Ajax in 2014 after winning four consecutive Eredivisie crowns with the Amsterdam giants. Needless to say, his spell on Tyneside has been far less impressive.
He made only four Premier League appearances in his debut season and, despite offering glimpses of his quality under Steve McClaren in 2016/17, the attacking midfielder returned to Holland with champions PSV at the start of last season.
Steve McClaren appeared willing to give De Jong a chance
Though it’s clear he viewed his controversial move to Ajax’s great rivals as a short-term commitment.
“I hope they will be crowned champions, but even if they were not I would like to play a part in their campaign next season,” De Jong, who netted six times as PSV lost their league crown to Feyenoord, told The Chronicle in early April.
“They have made a good plan and I would like to be part of it.”
However, it appears that he may be denied a reprieve on Tyneside. The Chronicle reports that De Jong, alongside fellow forgotten men Massadio Haidara and Emmanuel Riviere, will be sold for the right price this summer – despite the 28-year-old being contracted to Newcastle until 2020.
The decision may come as something of a shock to Newcastle supporters, especially as a lack of goals from central midfield appears to be an issue Benitez is aiming to solve this summer.
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez
And De Jong offered a timely reminder of his qualities with PSV last season, the goalscoring instinct that set him aside at Ajax as sharp as ever.
Yet, it appears that Benitez will look elsewhere for a solution.
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