We had assumed that both Yoan Gouffran and Vurnon Anita would be given new deals this summer if Newcastle are back in the Premier League.
There are a number of reasons for thinking that.
One is that both players have played very well for us this season and they have good experience in the Premier League too.
Yoan Gouffran and Vurnon Anita
Another reason was that during the Christmas period – in fact on Christmas Eve – Rafa was quoted as saying the following about Gouffran and Anita:
“We were talking with them but now, around Christmas time and the festive fixtures, is not the period.”
“But in January we will continue talking with both of them to find a solution, because we are happy with the two.”
“I am not worried about losing them next month.”
Rafa hinted there that he wanted both signed to new deals before the summer.
Their contracts run out at the end of June, but there have been reports in the Chronicle that Rafa will release both players this summer.
That would be a shock if that happens, since we are short of players who have Premier League experience.
Since Rafa came in last March he has turned Vurnon into an excellent right back who played very well during the last several games of last season.
Yoan has also played his best football since he arrived at Newcastle four years ago from Bordeaux and deserves a two year extension to his contract.
The Frenchman has scored six goals for us in 30 appearances this term and Vurnon, who is out injured with an ankle injury at the moment, has played 23 times.
We’d be very surprised if they leave the club in the summer.
What do you think?
Comments welcome.
5 comments so far
sing in the corner
Feb 10, 2017 at 7:43 AM
Comment #1For PL: Keep Anita, squad utility player. Times up for Gouffran
one fine day
Feb 10, 2017 at 8:09 AM
Comment #2Rafa bingo
Darlow
Yedlin lascalles Clark Dummett
Shelvey colback
Richie diame atsu
murphy
Bench
Mitro Perez. Sammy Hayden if fit
Wolves 1 nufc 3
Shelvey to crack in a free kick to finish the scoring around 80 mins …karma
Mag52
Feb 10, 2017 at 8:10 AM
Comment #3I’d be sorry to see Gouff go.
Six goals in 30 games and all but one of those playing wide, whereas his best position is CF.
Great engine, no prima donna, excellent cup option to rest first teamers if we go up.
Keep Anita as well.
sing in the corner
Feb 10, 2017 at 8:17 AM
Comment #4I’d rather see the likes of Cal Roberts come in from the u23s instead of someone like Gouff, if we’re ever gonna give them the chance it needs to start now..
You could also make a case for Sterry instead of Anita come to think of it.
martoon
Feb 10, 2017 at 8:19 AM
Comment #5I’d offer Gouffran a 1 year extension while we are ‘bedding in’ the Premiership. He’ll be useful the first year but then after that we probably don’t need him. Harsh but football is a tough business!