OPINION
At the beginning of the season Rafa Benitez deemed Rolando Aarons surplus to requirements at St. James’ Park, and it’s easy to see why.
The Spaniard has, on paper, good strength in depth on the flanks, with Kenedy, Matt Ritchie, Christian Atsu, and Jacob Murphy at his disposal.
The reality this season has been somewhat different. Kenedy and Atsu in particular have been dreadful, and Murphy has featured just twice since the beginning of October.
It reported by the Chronicle on Sunday that Rolando Aarons will be returning to the north east this month after a loan spell in the Czech Republic.
The 23-year-old is a rapid, direct, and incisive winger who has ultimately struggle to make an impact on Tyneside because of injuries and a lack of consistency.
While he won’t be able to play until January because of registration restrictions, the Jamaican-born wide man could be the fresh injection needed to revitalise the Magpies.
With Salomon Rondon acting as a target man in the centre, good quality service will be vital to the Toon Army’s survival hopes.
There’s never been a question over Aarons’ ability, and his consistency would surely improve if he was given a good run in the first team.
Kenedy has not been good enough this season, and an alternative must be found. With funds in January bound to be limited Aarons could be the ideal cut price solution.