Newcastle United forward Aleksandar Mitrovic looks set to leave St James’ Park on deadline day after he boarded a private jet that is bound for Brussells, according to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie.
The reliable journalist claimed on his personal Twitter account on Wednesday afternoon that Mitrovic, 23, is heading to the Belgian Jupiler League in a last-ditch exit to re-sign for Anderlecht.
Aleksandar Mitrovic has just boarded a private jet bound for Brussels and Anderlecht, two hours after his replacement Islam Slimani arrived ??
— Keith Downie (@SkySports_Keith) January 31, 2018
The Magpies signed the Serbia international from Anderlecht for £13million in 2015, and now the striker looks set to return after an unhappy first-half of the season on Tyneside.
Rafa Benitez saw Mitrovic as his first-choice striker behind Dwight Gayle and Joselu.
He made just seven appearances in all competitions and scored two goals in now what seems like could be his final few months as a Newcastle player.
Good move for Newcastle?
With Islam Slimani looking as though he is on his way to Newcastle, it makes sense for Benitez to clear the decks a bit and make room for the Algeria international. Gayle and summer signing Joselu are first and second choices so it is natural that the furthest down the pecking order is moved on. If offloading Mitrovic helps fund the loan move for Slimani, then it’s a great piece of business. The Leicester striker can become a prolific goalscorer if given the chances to play on a regular basis, something he wasn’t getting at the King Power.
This is Futbol rating 8/10
Likely to happen?
Mitrovic has made it clear on a few occasions that he wants to leave Newcastle and with him not boarding a plane to get his wish, it seems that there is a high chance this deal will go through before the deadline on Wednesday night. Mitrovic has been a good servant to the club and there’s no doubt that he will remain a favourite of the fans.
This is Futbol rating 9/10