OPINION
Finally there is some news for Newcastle United fans to enjoy with Joselu reportedly edging closer towards leaving St James’ Park this summer.
According to Spanish news outlet Mundo Deportivo, La Liga club Alaves are in advanced talks to sign Joselu, who is now in the final 12 months of his contract with the Magpies.
Joselu arrived in the North-East in a deal worth £5million from Stoke City in August 2017 and even though it was a low transfer fee, the Spanish forward has somehow failed to justify he was worth even that much.
In 52 appearances across all competitions for United, the 29-year-old scored just seven goals and registered only two assists.
Even though he is one of the least prolific strikers that the Toon Army have seen in years, the ex-Real Madrid striker still managed to earn himself a spot in the starting line-up on 24 occasions under the leadership of Rafa Benitez – perhaps out of desperation more than anything else.
Last season in the Premier League, according to stats by WhoScored, Joselu averaged 2.6 shots and 0.8 dribbles per 90 minutes for Newcastle, was dispossessed on 2.5 occasions per game and only 62 per cent of his passes were successful.
Although Joselu’s strength is his aerial ability – he won 6.6 aerial duels per 90 minutes for Newcastle compared to Salomon Rondon’s 5.0 – he only scored two headers last term, which was fewer than 5ft 10 [transfermarkt] Ayoze Perez and defender Ciaran Clark.
Joselu simply isn’t good enough for Newcastle, or for any Premier League team for that matter.
During his entire time in England, the Spaniard scored just 10 goals in 68 Premier League appearances, which is nowhere near what a club like Newcastle should be expecting from their strikers.
After seeing the chances of Rondon’s return dashed, Rafa Benitez’s exit and Ayoze Perez’s move to top-flight rivals Leicester, it is about time that there is some good news for Newcastle supporters.
Joselu will not be missed.
