OPINION
While there has been much speculation over the future of goalkeepers at Newcastle United – aside from first choice Martin Dubravka – manager Rafael Benitez has issued a definitive statement on exactly who is set to leave St James’ Park this winter.
With Freddie Woodman, Karl Darlow and Rob Elliot all linked with moves away from Tyneside to a variety of clubs, the Spanish boss revealed it was the latter – the Magpies’ second longest serving player behind homegrown Paul Dummett – who is set for the chop.
He told the Chronicle: “The only one that is available in the window is Rob Elliot.”
While that does not mean the former Charlton man will definitely leave – or that the others will definitely stay – it does appear as though Benitez has already got a replacement lined up for the senior side, and it is someone already with the Magpies.
Step forward 20-year-old Nathan Harker, who was pictured on the club’s official website (picture 6, shirt number 27) as taking part in senior training among the likes of Woodman, Darlow and Dubravka.
Between the sticks is one area of the squad that the Magpies are actually quite well equipped, with four shot stoppers all having first team experience – and that is simply unnecessary for Benitez.
He could quite comfortably get rid of two of those – Elliot and Darlow the most likely it would seem – and rather than looking for a new signing to take the place of third choice keeper, it seems as though he has faith in Harker to join the first team set up.
With Dubravka and Woodman ahead of him, it will be some time before fans get to see him playing for the first team, but his promotion in training looks to show that Benitez has already gone about replacing a senior star’s potential exit.