OPINION
Newcastle United must be kicking themselves for allowing striker Dwight Gayle to depart the club for West Bromwich Albion this season.
The 27-year-old has netted eight goals for the Baggies so far this campaign in the Championship, and United boss Rafa Benitez will no doubt be feeling a bit aggrieved seeing one of his players in prolific form for another club.
What’s more, West Brom will no doubt want to sign the forward on a permanent deal when his loan expires next summer – but Newcastle must ensure that all of these attempts are blocked.
Why wouldn’t they? Gayle has performed better for Darren Moore’s side this term than he did during his previous season on Tyneside, so Benitez will not want them to grab a slice.
Given that Newcastle are wearing thin when it comes to reinforcements up front, letting Gayle return to the Hawthorns permanently would be a disaster for Benitez, particularly if West Brom get promoted to the Premier League.
Gayle has proved that loaning him out has done wonders for his form, and United must exploit this to the maximum upon his return.
Other clubs will no doubt be sniffing next summer, but Newcastle should resist the temptation to cash in on him and keep him for themselves.
Now that Gayle has shown that he can score goals on a regular basis, remaining at Newcastle will help him revive his Premier League career, which has not gone as smoothly as he would have liked.
Keeping hold of the prolific ace could hold the key to Newcastle’s successes up front – and who knows, Gayle may even improve on his goal tally from this season.
Therefore, this means that the Magpies must pull out all of the stops to ensure that West Brom do not attempt to sign him next summer – as it may be their greatest regret if he leaves once again.
