Newcastle United goalkeeper Matz Sels has agreed terms with French side Stasbourg over his exit from St James’ Park this summer, according to HLN.
The Belgian publication claim on their website that the 26-year-old is one step closer to securing his departure from the Magpies after a difficult two years on Tyneside, having struggled for form in his first campaign before finding himself shipped off to Anderlecht on loan last summer.
The 6’1″ (source: Transfermarkt) shot stopper has not featured in a league game for Newcastle since 2016, but has appeared in the pre-season fixtures as the club prepare for the upcoming campaign in the Premier League.
Good move for Newcastle?
The Magpies have four goalkeepers who have first team experience under their belt, and it is no surprise Rafael Benitez is looking to ship at least one of the off.
Sels might have made a surprise appearance in the friendly game against St Patrick’s but it was more through necessity than choice, and his time at St James’ Park looked up before the summer window had even opened.
Getting some sort of fee for his capture is important, as it helps Benitez get some much needed spending money, while getting him off the wage bill should also open up the possibility of new recruits in what has been a slow summer so far.
This is Futbol rating: 9/10
Likely to happen?
It is a surprise that Strabourg have been able to agree terms with a goalkeeper moving from the Premier League, but it certainly seems that the ball is rolling and this move is nearing completion.
A week ago, this would not have seemed a likely deal to go ahead but football is funny like that, and Newcastle finally have what they want – the sale of Sels.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10