Shields Gazette reporter Liam Kennedy has criticised Newcastle United’s decision to hand Dwight Gayle a new contract.
Gayle made just four Premier League starts last season, with a ligament injury and the summer signing of Callum Wilson severely reducing his involvement.
Despite the lack of action, the 31-year-old has signed a new deal that will keep him at St James’ Park as Wilson’s understudy.
Were Newcastle right to give Dwight Gayle a new deal?
Yes
No
Gayle was offered the three-year contract, which is on reduced terms in comparison to his previous £40,000-per-week agreement, in March.
The frontman, who joined from Crystal Palace five years ago, has scored 34 goals in 113 appearances for the Magpies but found the back of the net on just one occasion last term.
Newcastle boss Steve Bruce has been unable to welcome any new arrivals to Tyneside since the transfer window opened, meaning the Magpies have only three strikers on their books heading into the new Premier League campaign.
Kennedy maintains Gayle should not have been kept at the club despite the lack of alternative forward options.
He told TIF: “We’ve just seen him given a new three-year contract. I think it’s quite an incredible position really.
“I know why they did it – they’re looking to protect an asset. Fulham and West Brom were talking about paying up to £20million two years ago, so we’re talking about a striker that has value.
“But everybody who has seen Dwight Gayle play probably knows he is a top end of the Championship striker and that’s just not good enough for Newcastle United. They need something more if Callum Wilson drops out.”