Dwight Gayle could be set to stay at St. James’ Park after Stoke City were unable to pay Newcastle United’s asking price for him, according to The Chronicle.
The Magpies value him at over £15m, which Stoke are unable to pay along with his wages, meaning he will not be heading there.
Gayle is said to be content with staying at Newcastle to fight for his place in the team, even following the record signing of Joelinton.
It is understandable that Stoke tested the waters with the deal when Gayle’s Championship record is considered: last season alone he scored 24 times in 34 starts and six substitute appearances, as per WhoScored.
Though Steve Bruce will be more interested in the 28-year-old’s returns in the Premier League: the last time he played in the top tier was 2017/18, a season in which he scored six goals and assisted three times in 23 starts and 12 substitute appearances.
He didn’t have the biggest impact in general play though, as he made 0.6 key passes and 0.3 dribbles per game.
Joelinton’s numbers from last season can be compared to Gayle’s in his most recent Premier League campaign to give a general idea of the pair’s credentials.
The Brazilian started 25 Bundesliga games, coming on as a substitute three times and scored seven goals, assisting five.
He also helped his team in the build-up phase, making 1.5 key passes and 1.7 dribbles on average.
Both sets of numbers and Joelinton’s fee indicate that the Brazilian will be the undisputed first choice, though Gayle could be an effective substitute, who has already shown he can get goals.
This would likely put the Englishman ahead of Yoshinori Muto, who only managed one goal in five starts and 12 substitute appearances during his maiden campaign at St. James’ Park.
Bruce will likely be very happy to have Gayle staying at St. James’ Park, as it will give him a goalscorer to come off the bench when needed.
However, the only question surrounding this is how long the Englishman will be content to stay on the bench before he looks to move elsewhere – unless he somehow pushes his way ahead of Joelinton in the pecking order.
Newcastle fans, does Gayle have a future at St. James’ Park? Let us know what you think by commenting below!
