Newcastle United allowed Vurnon Anita’s contract to expire, and he went on to join Leeds United.
Newcastle United may be left to regret not offering Vurnon Anita a new contract this summer, following their injury crisis.
Newcastle saw Paul Dummett pick up a problem in their first match of the season against Tottenham Hotspur, and Rafael Benitez’s options at left-back are now very limited.
Newcastle may have to put Ciaran Clark at left-back against Huddersfield Town, or offer a surprising recall to the likes of Massadio Haidara or Achraf Lazaar.
And that weak spot could prove costly at Premier League level, where any deficiencies are punished.
However, if Anita had been at Newcastle, the Dutchman may have just offered Benitez the desired cover for the injured Dummett.
When Anita left there was little outcry over his departure, yet he has proven he is capable of performing at Premier League level, and could’ve been a valuable squad member.
Anita can cover in a range of positions, and although he is not a natural left-back, he is more than comfortable playing the position.
It is fair to say that when Anita was released, Benitez expected more new arrivals to be brought in by this stage of the season.
However, Newcastle have only manage to snap up six new signings – and there are still gaps in their squad.
Anita could have filled one of those places, at least for the short-term, but the Dutchman is now at Leeds United.
Anita has made a solid start to his career at Elland Road, and has featured in all but one of Thomas Christiansen’s side’s matches to date.
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