OPINION
When Yoshinori Muto signed for Newcastle United, both him and the club will have expected bigger things from his first season in England.
The Japanese ace has scored just the one goal across 18 appearances for the Magpies, and has struggled with injury and the responsibility of midseason international call-ups.
It’s safe to say that so far during his time in England, he has been a resounding misfire, and it’s difficult to see how things will get better for him anytime soon.
For most of the campaign he has found himself beneath Salomon Rondon and Ayoze Perez in the pecking order, and even if one or both of those players were to leave the club over the summer, you would assume that the Toon Army will move to bring in suitable replacements instead of falling back on a striker with just the one goal to his name in black and white.
That’s why Muto’s comments on Instagram earlier seem rather optimistic.
Posting to his personal account, the 26-year-old said: “Thank you very much for your wonderful support throughout the season.
“It was a tough season for me, not reaching expectations. I wished I would have scored a lot more goals in front of such wonderful fans.
“For the next season, I will try my best to contribute to the club with lots of goals. I am really looking forward to seeing the wonderful supporters next season!”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BxZn7gBlnFv/?utm_source=ig_embed
Firstly, it is bold of Muto to suggest he has more in his locker. With 29 caps for his country, he clearly has pedigree, but so far he has shown absolutely nothing to suggest that he is cut out for the rigours of the English game.
Secondly, and perhaps more significantly, it would appear that the forward is fairly certain that he will be at St. James’ Park next year.
Given his lack of form and the faint impression he has made on Tyneside, there is no guarantee that the club will see fit to keep him around.
At this rate, if they do, he could become just another figure of fun like fellow flop Joselu.
