OPINION
Newcastle United fans might have been left wondering exactly what Ki Sung-Yeung brought to their side in the early stages of his St James’ Park career but recent months have shown exactly what a savvy signing he was.
The South Korean international has gone from zero to hero on Tyneside, being panned for his lack of impact in the opening weeks before being heralded for the manner in which he has controlled games, taking a regular place in the starting XI ahead of former Swans teammate Jonjo Shelvey.
However, just as the Toon Army have begun to see the best of the 29-year-old, he is destined for a stint away from Tyneside, manager Rafael Benitez confirming to the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope that he is set to join South Korea for the Asia Cup – a big blow to the Magpies for the rest of 2018 and into 2019.
Rafa Benitez confirms that Ki will leave for the Asia Cup after tomorrow’s game versus Fulham. Could be missing until early February.
— Craig Hope (@CraigHope_DM) December 21, 2018
Midfield has been a weak spot for Newcastle, especially when it comes to creativity and while Shelvey is likely to fill that particular void, the intense demands of the festive period surely mean that rotation is a necessity – leaving those behind the English maestro and Mohamed Diame in with a shot at game time.
The man who appears to have been handed a surprise lifeline by Ki’s departure is likely to be Isaac Hayden, the former Arsenal man having been seen just five times by the Toon Army after falling firmly down the pecking order at St James’ Park.
Since his last Premier League start, which came 13 games ago against Arsenal, Hayden has been afforded just 35 minutes of action in three substitute appearances and has often been left out of the squad entirely.
However, Ki’s impending temporary exit and the demands of the Premier League’s winter schedule means a start is on the cards.
Can he force his way back into the reckoning on a more permanent basis? Only time will tell.