According to reports, Christian Atsu is set to depart Newcastle United, before the end of the transfer window.
Christian Atsu Is In Demand
Christian Atsu Set to Leave Magpies
A number of clubs want Atsu. Sadly for the player, Newcastle United appear not to be one of them. Therefore, it is unlikely that Atsu will remain at St. James’ Park for much longer.
A whole host of clubs have been linked with the 28-year-old winger. These range from clubs in England and Scotland to other teams based further afield.
At present, Watford are reportedly leading the chase for Atsu. However, Nottingham Forest – who are Watford’s divisional rivals – are also linked to the player.
Meanwhile, Glasgow’s two Scottish Premier League clubs – Celtic and Rangers – have also been mentioned as a possible destination. In addition, clubs in France and Turkey could make a bid.
Atsu Knows England Well
Atsu should prove to be an astute signing for an English Championship club.
Born in Ghana, Atsu first came to prominence in Portugal with Porto. He had begun his career at Rio Avenue, also of Portugal’s Primeira Liga.
His promise as a young player was such, that Chelsea paid £3.5million for Atsu in summer 2013. At the time, he was not even an established first-team player at Porto. However, he failed to make an appearance for Chelsea, although he did enjoy loan spells at Vitesse Arnhem, Everton, Bournemouth and Malaga.
In Summer 2016, Atsu signed on loan for Newcastle. A year later, United signed him permanently from Chelsea for a reported £6million fee.
Could Atsu Stay?
Whether Atsu will now leave Newcastle on a permanent or loan transfer is unclear. In a recent interview, Newcastle United’s manager Steve Bruce seemed conflicted over Atsu.
“I like Christian (Atsu)” said Bruce.
“The same goes for (Yoshinori) Muto – trains every day, works tirelessly, a good professional – but in a situation where are they going to play enough?
“There has to come a time when they go and play football”.
If Atsu chooses not to leave Newcastle then he is not expected to play any first-team football this season. According to the Northern Echo newspaper, Atsu has been told that he is not in Newcastle’s 25-man Premier League squad for the 2020/21 season.
Without question, it would appear to be in the interest of both player and club, if Atsu leaves.
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