Newcastle United forward Ayoze Perez has been “talking as if it’s his last season” at St James’ Park in recent weeks, according to journalist Miles Starforth.
The Shields Gazette reporter has revealed that he has been speaking to the Spaniard after a number of games as the club heads into the final match of the campaign and revealed that there appeared to be a seed of doubt growing in the mind of the former Tenerife man.
One of Newcastle’s standout performers this summer with his 11 goals for Rafael Benitez’s men, there has been speculation over his future and Starforth was unable to pour cold water on a potential exit.
Speaking in a question and answer on the Shields Gazette’s Facebook page (02:00) he said: “I’ve spoken to length to Perez in recent weeks after various games and he’s certainly got a question mark in his mind whether he will be here next season.
“I think he’s tempted by a new challenge, he’s tempted by a club which is competing for Europe, for trophies and you can’t blame him really. Rafa was asked about Perez, he’s suggested he could still be talked round – whether that would involve a new and improved contract.
“I’ve spoken to Perez a few times in recent weeks and he’s talking as if it’s his last season.”
Opinion
Perhaps it is time to let Perez leave St James’ Park while his stock is high. He has never been a consistent performer for the Magpies, hitting impressive highs but also having frustrating lows when it comes to his form and with a decent second half of the season under his belt there might well be a hefty price tag Newcastle United can demand for his exit. If the player wants to go then Rafa Benitez, or whoever might be manager over the summer, should not be standing in his way – but also not cashing in for anything less than what they deserve to get for his capture. He has been loyal enough but it has always been a case of him flattering to deceive before slumping back to a dip in his performances. If he wants a big move then he really needs to have been doing it for longer than a half season and so if a healthy offer does come in, Newcastle might be wise to cash in.