Gent Director of Football Ivan De Witte does not believe that Newcastle goalkeeper Matz Sels will be returning to the Belgian club at the end of the season.
The Magpies signed Sels from Gent for £4.5million in the summer with the intention of the player becoming the club’s first choice goalkeeper. After a shaky start in goal, he was dropped by Rafa Benitez at the end of September after nine Championship starts. He has since slipped behind both Karl Darlow and Rob Elliot in the pecking order at St James’ Park:
When asked by Belgian media (translated by Sport Witness) about a possible return for Sels, as well as other recently departed players, De Witte replied:
“Of course we’ve thought about it, but I don’t know whether it’s wise, both for the players and for us. I’m concerned about Sels, Kums and Depoitre, but their return at the moment is not in the pipeline.”
Sels has made appearances in both the FA Cup and EFL Cup since September but it was telling that against Preston North End on Monday, Elliot was asked to replace Karl Darlow in goal, and the not the Belgian international. The 25 year old hasn’t even been on the bench for a league match since the 2-2 home draw against QPR back in early February.
