Belgian goalkeeper Matz Sels has confirmed his exit from Newcastle United on his personal Instagram account as he makes the move to Ligue 1 side Strasbourg.
The 26-year-old revealed that he had agreed terms to leave St James’ Park after two years on his story on the social media network, having struggled to make the desired impact between the sticks.
The former Gent man, who was earning a wage of £35,000-a-week at Newcastle (source: Spotrac), made just 14 appearances for the Magpies, conceding 13 goals, and was shipped out to Anderlecht for the entirety of last season.
Opinion
Sels’ departure from Tyneside should come as no surprise to any member of the Toon Army, who will still be trying to erase the memories of his shocking displays between the sticks from their campaign in the Championship. Unconvincing at both commanding his box and aerial threats, he found himself quickly replaced by Karl Darlow, whose experience of the second tier, as well as Rob Elliot’s injury, kept him as the number one choice for much of that season as well as during their first campaign back in the Premier League. With no less than four shot stoppers vying for a first team role, Sels was simply surplus to requirements, and he has finally found a club where he can reignite his faltering career. As for Newcastle, it is another piece of deadwood cleared out from the squad, and his wages, plus transfer fee, could well help in the continued recruitment of reinforcements this summer.