Newcastle United midfielder Dan Barlaser has joined Crewe Alexandra on loan for the rest of the season, it has been announced.
The Magpies revealed on their official Twitter account and website that the 21-year-old, who celebrated his birthday on Thursday, had joined the League Two side ahead of their clash with Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday.
Midfielder Dan Barlaser has joined @crewealexfc on loan until the end of the season. Good luck, @barlaser_97!
?? https://t.co/35yl9HkeWC #NUFC pic.twitter.com/rbd83DkkyU
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) January 19, 2018
Gateshead-born Barlaser, who has represented Turkey at youth international level, has made solid progress for Newcastle after emerging through the club’s ranks.
The youngster, who turned 21 this week, has made 13 appearances in Premier League 2 this season for the club’s second string.
He was rewarded for his progress by being promoted to the Newcastle first team by manager Rafael Benitez for the League Cup defeat to Nottingham Forest earlier this season but that has proved to be the last of his three senior appearances to date.
Good move for Newcastle?
Barlaser is highly rated at Newcastle but he has been unable to convince Benitez that he can genuinely challenge first team central midfielders such as Mikel Merino, Jonjo Shelvey and Isaac Hayden. Sure, he is young but it should not be forgotten that he is the same age as Merino, who looks light years ahead of his youthful compatriot. A loan deal might help him find his level, and perhaps develop at a quicker rate than he is in Newcastle’s reserves. However, Crewe are locked in a battle to avoid relegation from League Two and the youngster will need to adapt quickly at the north-west outfit.