Newcastle midfielder Cheick Tiote’s future at the club still looks to be very much up in the air despite the transfer window closing on Wednesday night.
After a move to Galatasaray collapsed and a move to Spain not materialising on transfer deadline day, it has been reported in recent days that Qatar could still be a possible destination.
The Qatar Stars League’s transfer window is still open and the Evening Chronicle reported at the weekend that Tiote’s agent had contacted two Qatari clubs Al Ahli and Al Sadd.
Both sides finished in the top six in the league last season but it is not certain whether either club would be interested in a move for the Ivory Coast international.
The 30 year old’s contract expires at the end of the season andhe may opt to see out his current deal before departing on a free transfer next summer. It is unlikely however that he will be given any game time at St James’ Park if he decides to stay with Jack Colback, Isaac Hayden and Mo Diame all very much ahead of him for a starting place.
Manager Rafa Benitez has also mentioned in recent days he wants players who are fully committed to the promotion push and he revealed he allowed Daryl Janmaat, along with Gini Wijnaldum and Moussa Sissoko, to leave as they were focused on playing in a higher division:
“Gini, Moussa and Daryl also wanted to play in the top division. They are talented players, but our objective is very clear, and we needed every single player, like the staff and the fans, pushing in the same direction. It can affect the atmosphere and the team spirit if you don’t have that.”
