OPINION
Newcastle United’s former forward Ivan Toney was undoubtedly not having the best of times at the club after being loaned out numerous times during his spell.
That made it no surprise that the striker was offloaded to League One outfit Peterborough earlier this summer on a permanent basis, as it appeared that boss Rafa Benitez no longer viewed him as a part of his long-term plans for the club.
However, they could soon regret letting the 22-year-old leave, especially after his impressive performances recently for the third tier outfit.
He may have only made two first team appearances for the Magpies since joining them in 2015, but his recent form will have Newcastle kicking themselves that they ever got rid of him in the first place.
The 6ft 2in [Transfermarkt] ace netted his first goal for his new club over the weekend, ensuring that Peterborough maintained their unbeaten start to the season.
Seeming as United are currently struggling on the goal front, they were mad to ever get rid of Toney, who is showing flashes of form that deserved more recognition from his former club.
He was never really given the opportunity to prove his worth at St James’ Park, and boss Rafa Benitez may have just lost out on a hidden gem.
Newcastle need all of the goals that they can get at the moment, and Toney could have provided that extra threat that they are so desperately calling out for.
However, what is United’s loss is most definitely Peterborough’s gain, and he is only going to get better and better as the season progress.
The League One club obviously spotted something in Toney that Newcastle did not – but they only have themselves to blame for that.
Toney could have been a real success on Tyneside if he was given half the chance, and Newcastle may now rue the day they ever let him depart.