Cheick Tiote has had an uncertain future for the last few years and he was thought to be a player that would want to leave after our relegation. However, he played a key part under Rafa Benitez in the last ten matches of last season and could be tempted to stay.
He has only one year left on his contract, which may prove to be an issue, as the club won’t want to lose him on a free. He came close to move to China last summer, but terms couldn’t be agreed and he had to stay.
As he has just one year left on his contract, his future is uncertain and it is obvious that he would be available for the right price. Tiote has been linked with numerous sides on the continent and a move to China could be on the cards again. If he does stay, he should be made a crucial member to our side, and could help Hayden develop over the season.
The agenda has changed under Benitez and a new contract could be on the cards if the manager believes Tiote has enough in the tank for another couple of seasons at the club. He has long divided fans, but we were better with him in the side last season and his role under Benitez underlines how good he is. He should be retained and if he is, our defensive structure will be a lot stronger as a result.