It’s been yet another torrid term on Tyneside, though this particular season has managed to even eclipse the shambolic effort churned out by the club last year.
Although current boss Rafa Benitez is a world away from the comedic efforts of John Carver in the hot seat this time last season, the Magpies have seemingly outdone themselves once more and are staring the prospect of relegation right between the eyes.
On paper, the players they can call upon really should be six points off safety, though that is the position they find themselves in with just seven games to go.
Clearly, games are not played on paper and that is exactly the reason the Toon find themselves on the brink.
One of the few first-team regulars to come out of this fiasco with his stock relatively intact is Dutch midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum, whose role in the side does not look to have put European teams off making a summer move.
Recently, the Dutchman has been linked with a host of Serie A giants as they aim to make the most of the fire sale likely to happen in the North East should they fail to beat the drop.
However, unfortunately for the ever loyal Toon Army, he may not be the only one to depart so soon.
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Click the image below to find out who else could jump ship!
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Rafa Benitez
Despite only arriving as Steve McClaren’s successor in mid-March, it seems very likely Benitez would sever all ties with his new charges should he fail to keep them up.
His departure, while expected, will surely come as a sore point in the years to come. Imagine what the former Real Madrid coach could do with a sleeping giant like this if given a full season and full control?
Ironically enough, the man who could preside over their relegation this season may be one of few who could really get them going, if he can just guide them to safety.
It’ll always be a tale of ‘What if?’
Andros Townsend
Though he’s barely set the world alight since a £12m move from Spurs in January, it’s not hard to expect England international Andros Towsend to have many a summer suitor.
A raft of clubs were reportedly interested in him before the Magpies swooped, and despite his problems in the North East, he remains a good enough player to go back in for.
Watford and West Bromwich Albion were both said to have been keen and there’s little he can possibly do in six months to truly put them off, even if he doesn’t do enough to keep his side in the top tier.
Ayoze Perez
The second Spaniard on this list and likely one of the first out the door if Newcastle are doomed to a second relegation under the ownership of Mike Ashley.
Despite penning a new deal back in February, the talented Spanish forward is likely to be of major interest to a number of top flight clubs if he’s available.
Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur were both touted as potential destinations for the former Tenerife youngster back in January and he is certainly able to grow into a player someday befitting of those two particular clubs.
At 22 years of age, it’s unlikely a relegation will do too much damage to the complexion of his career going forward, having performed exceptionally well since his arrival on Tyneside.
Daryl Janmaat
Another who could actually come out for a two year stint with the Toon Army, somehow, with his stock substantially increased.
Though the backline has been comical for the past two seasons, Daryl Janmaat will probably managed to have used an otherwise miserable stint at St. James’ Park as a stepping stone to a bigger European club.
Noted for his gut busting attacking enterprise, the 26-year old Oranje international has reportedly attracted the interested of dominant Serie A champions Juventus.
Should the Old Lady come in for him, it’s hard to see the right-back opting for the Toon instead of Turin.
Moussa Sissoko
What has happened to Moussa Sissoko this season? The marauding Frenchman who so often bamboozled defences during the seemingly imperious occasional runs of form under Alan Pardew has entirely faded into a player bereft of confidence.
It’ll be no surprise to see the French international get a move to a big team in the summer, despite the ongoing problems so prevalent in this campaign. Previously, he’s been linked with a move to Arsenal after expressing his desire to test himself at Champions League level.
Yeah, good luck with that Moussa….
