Newcastle United had a good season last season, finishing in the top-half of the table.
To repeat the feat, Rafa Benitez needs to be backed in the transfer market by Mike Ashley, particularly with the level of signings being made by other Premier League clubs. To keep pace, Benitez does need more signings.
Last season, players such as Jonjo Shelvey and Jamaal Lascelles had real stand-out seasons. Shelvey impressed with his range of passing, getting Newcastle on the move and making a real difference in the middle of the park. Lascelles dominated games at centre-back, and was a big presence for the Magpies from set pieces.
However, that is not to say there isn’t some dead wood at St James Park. There are several players in the Newcastle set up who could be sold, to add money to bring in replacements with better ability. Rafa Benitez did an excellent job last season working with the talent at his disposal, but he needs better to push the club on. There are some players who have had their chance, and need to move on.
With that in mind, here are two players who Benitez has made a mistake by not selling already…
Paul Dummett is not a Premier League standard footballer. Newcastle United need a better left-back if they are to improve in the coming season.
He is the weak link in Newcastle United’s defence and needs to go, he is capable of having good games, but he makes too many defence which cost the Magpies. Dummett is a functional player who can do a job, but is exposed all too often, particularly against pace.
The Newcastle-born defender would be better off finding a club at Championship level. Rafa Benitez has made a mistake by sone selling the flop, rated at £3.5m by Transfermarkt.
Dwight Gayle is a lethal striker in the Championship, but just does not cut it in the Premier League. Top division centre-backs have the beating of Gayle too easily, often because of his small frame, standing at 5ft 9.
The statistics support the argument. He has never scored more than seven Premier League goals in a season, in his very first with Crystal Palace. In the Championship with Newcastle, he scored 23.
He does not add a great deal to general play if he isn’t scoring. His hold-up play is questionable as is his passing. Newcastle should cash in on the £9m rated striker.
