OPINION
On top of his hunt for new signings, Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez will have several decisions to make with regards to outgoings in January.
There are a number of players who will potentially be eyeing a temporary exit in the upcoming window, with names such as Achraf Lazaar, Freddie Woodman and Rob Elliot in the mix.
Third-choice stopper Elliot has been confined to a hugely limited role this season after the permanent arrival of Martin Dubravka, and Benitez has now confirmed he could leave in January.
As quoted by the Chronicle, he said: “Could be, yes. It could be an option. He’s a good keeper that is not playing, and Martin [Dubravka] is doing really, really well.
“So four keepers, goalkeepers need to play, but we have options there so maybe it is a possibility.”
While Benitez’s logic does make sense, you also have to take into consideration the fact that Woodman is another goalkeeper likely to seek a January loan exit.
The youngster failed to secure a move away in the summer after he could not agree terms on a new deal, and has openly admitted his frustrations with his situation this season.
Quite frankly, keeping Woodman happy is far more important for Newcastle than Elliot’s situation, with the 21-year-old earmarked as a future first-team regular.
His January loan exit must therefore take priority over Elliot’s, with Woodman surely to seek a permanent exit in the summer should his demands not be met.
Losing such a talent would be a disaster, and with several Premier League sides reportedly interested, there is no reason why that would not happen should the Magpies fail to find a reasonable solution in January.
With there being a need to have three goalkeepers in the squad, both Woodman and Elliot cannot leave the club at the same time, and the Republic of Ireland international must therefore remain at the club until the summer.
Benitez would be mad to either let Elliot leave or let both men leave; Woodman’s exit is the only solution which makes sense for Newcastle.