OPINION
Newcastle United midfielder Mohamed Diame has been a pretty regular starter this season, but his performances have left a little to be desired.
The Senegal star is, simply put, an inconsistent player. With that said, he’s not somebody that the club should be tying themselves to long term at this moment in time.
However, The Chronicle reported on Monday that while the Magpies are happy to grant Diame a one year extension as included in his current contract, the midfielder himself wants a longer deal until 2021.
It’s important that the club don’t bow to Diame’s demands here. There’s no need for them to commit to him for longer than another season, he’s a decent player but not someone Rafael Benitez can build around at this stage.
At 31 years of age he’s not one for the future, he is very much in the twilight of his career. And, thanks to the emergence of youngster Sean Longstaff, he’s no longer needed at St James’ Park long term.
With Longstaff, Jonjo Shelvey and Ki Sung-yueng in place moving forward, as well as any potential summer recruits, Diame doesn’t need to be kept around until 2021.
If the club do cede to the player’s wishes then they risk blocking the progress of Longstaff moving forward. It’s his show to run in central midfield in the next few years and Diame’s continued presence on Tyneside risk stymieing his development.
For those reasons it’s imperative that the Magpies remain strong and only offer Diame the one year extension that currently exists in his contract – not the unreasonable deal he desires.