Newcastle United striker Dwight Gayle is unlikely to return to West Bromwich Albion this summer if they don’t get promoted, according to journalist Joe Chapman.
The Birmingham Mail reporter told The Chronicle that unless the Baggies do work their way back to the Premier League the 28-year-old won’t be back at the Midlands next time out.
“He’s currently on his longest spell of the year without a goal (six matches), but Gayle has been a real asset,” said Chapman.
“That said, I can’t see him returning for another year if Albion aren’t in the Premier League next season.”
The Englishman has excelled at the Hawthorns this term, bagging 16 goals in 31 games.
OPINION
This is an important, but expected, update from Chapman. The journalist revealed that the Baggies are very happy with Gayle and would probably like to sign him on a permanent deal, but that likely won’t happen if they aren’t a Premier League side come next season. He is a terrific Championship striker but he has always struggled to replicate that in the top flight. So while it would make sense for West Brom to bring him in again if they work their way back to the top table of English football, they may not get the sort of return they’ve had this campaign once they’re back in the big time. He is a decent Premier League frontman, he’s fine, but he’s nothing special so the Midlands outfit may want to think twice before they go back in for Gayle. Having said that, that’s probably not what will happen. It would be interesting to see whether Gayle would remain with the Magpies if West Brom don’t secure promotion this season.
