Martin Dubravka, Federico Fernandez, Fabian Schar, Isaac Hayden and Ayoze Perez are among the Newcastle United players doubting their future, according to The Sun.
The national newspaper claim that the Magpies are facing an exodus of top stars following Rafa Benitez’s exit and that the new Newcastle manager could inherit a depleted squad.
The Sun reports that Dubravka and the sought-after Schar would listen to approaches that come their way, while Fernandez is now open to offers after criticising the club for how they handled Benitez’s contract situation.
However, the newspaper adds that every member of the Magpies squad isn’t in mourning over Benitez’s exit as some had grown tired of his training and tactics.
OPINION
Hayden wanting out has been well covered as the midfield enforcer looked destined to go before Benitez’s exit as just like The Sun’s report stated, his main reason for wanting out is related to his family. It’s also predictable that Perez is considering his future as he seemed to have a special bond with Benitez. The Spanish manager always tended to pick the 25-year-old in the 2018/19 campaign, he started 89% of the Magpies’ league games (WhoScored), even when he wasn’t among the goals. Perez ended his latest season with 12 goals in 37 league outings, but it’s worth noting 50% of those goals came in his last five outings of the season. However, it is a surprise that Dubravka, Fernandez and Schar are now open to leaving St James Park. While the impressive trio all likely respected Benitez, it’s not like they’ve been at the club that long as all three only joined in 2018. Schar and Dubravka would both be big losses on the basis of how important they proved in their 2018/19 campaign. Dubravka racked up 11 clean sheets in 38 outings and made 95 saves in the Premier League, whereas Schar helped Benitez’s side earn seven clean sheets and scored four goals in his 24 league appearances.
