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Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Newcastle boss Steve Bruce says reported Celtic target Christian Atsu needs "to find a home"
Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce has stated that reported Celtic target Christian Atsu needs “to find a home” as he listed several players who need to leave the club to develop.
Sports World Ghana reported earlier this month that the Hoops had been in contact with Newcastle regarding the winger’s availability. They claimed that a move for the Ghanaian is “very possible”.
Over the last couple of weeks, however, speculation has been quiet. Atsu has appeared on several occasions for the Newcastle first-team in their pre-season games as he looked to make an impression.
Reported Celtic target Christian Atsu
/ (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
However, after failing to make their matchday squad for their Premier League opener against West Ham on Saturday, it appears Atsu’s time is up. Bruce was today speaking to BBC Newcastle, and mentioned the Celtic-linked winger as one of the players who needs to depart for the good of their careers:
Bruce to @bbcnewcastle on Atsu: “I like Christian – the same goes for Muto – trains every day, works tirelessly, a good professional – but in a situation where, are they going to play enough? There has to come a time when they go and play football." #NUFC
— Matthew Raisbeck (@raisbeck10) September 14, 2020
Bruce: "The same goes for Saivet. Henri has been around the place since I’ve been here. We try to treat him with respect and he trains every day and is a good pro. Saivet, Atsu, Muto, Lazaar, Aarons – they need to find a home and try to progress their careers again." #NUFC
— Matthew Raisbeck (@raisbeck10) September 14, 2020
A glowing reference for a player who wouldn’t be the worst choice
So it’s now clear as to where Atsu’s future lies – elsewhere. Considering he’s now into the final year of his contract too, it appears Bruce is prepared to cut his losses with him.
Local outlet The Chronicle Live believes that Newcastle will listen to any loan or permanent offer for the winger. But a fee for his services hasn’t been reported, with the Magpies previously signing him from Chelsea for £6.2m (Daily Mail).
Newcastle will surely know that the player’s value has depreciated massively since then. A failure to impress in the Premier League combined with the fact he’s into the final year of his deal matters. If Celtic are sniffing around, they could notch a bargain here.
Reported Celtic target Christian Atsu
/ (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Despite his struggles in the North East, we’re still talking about vastly experienced winger. He has 120 appearances to his name with Newcastle as well as spells with Rio Ave, Porto, and Vitesse Arnhem to name a few (Transfermarkt). He also has a whopping 60 international caps with Ghana at only 28 years of age.
Atsu also has pace and can play on both flanks – a potentially attractive proposition for Neil Lennon who could do with another option down either side.
Newcastle have effectively transfer-listed him after Bruce’s comments, so it looks as though we’re about to see just how solid Celtic’s interest in Atsu is.
In other news, a highly-popular rock band have paid tribute to Celtic’s newest signing on social media.
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