Who could leave Newcastle United this summer?

With Newcastle’s season coming to an end, we look ahead to the next window of 2017 and see who could leave United this summer.

Rafael Benitez will be casting an eye over the next season, and decide which players are suitable for his plans for success in the new campaign.

I’d like to imagine that Rafa is looking to bring in several Premier League quality players for next season. Individuals could push some of Newcastle United’s current crop out of the picture.

Here’s the players who are rumoured to be leaving Tyneside this summer. The higher the number, the more likely the players are to leave.

Curtis Good

Curtis Good is still only 24 years old and could have a bright future ahead of him.

The Australian international has seen himself featuring for the Magpies under-23’s as of late. He’s only featured once for the senior side during the 3-0 defeat to League One side Oxford United in the FA Cup.

Good’s name has been doing the rounds in the rumour mill back in his home county. He arrived from Melbourne in 2013 and the revamped A-League side could offer him a return on loan.

According to The Chronicle, Melbourne City have an interest in taking Good back to his former club. This move makes sense as it doesn’t look like he is going to get a chance of returning to the senior team. In addition, question marks remain over his ability.

Likeliness to leave – 8/10

Chancel Mbemba

Mbemba was one of Newcastle United’s standout players last season in the Premier League, but he hasn’t been given much of a chance this season in the Championship.

It was rumoured that the Congolese international angered his manager, Rafa Benitez, in their home game against Wolverhampton Wanderers earlier this season.

Despite being given specific instructions to play the ball out to the flanks against Wolves, Mbemba ignored his instructions and played the ball through the middle on many occasions – which ultimately resulted in a goal for Wolves.

Chancel has been given one more chance as we have seen him replace this season’s unsung hero, Ciaran Clark at the heart of the back four due to injury.

Mbemba recently posted on his social media account saying ‘Despite my minimal playing time this season, I am here and I am not giving up. I continue to train ardently and seriously and I will not give up until I find my place in the team.’

The talented youngster clearly wants a career at NUFC and he is willing to fight for his place. However, if the manager doesn’t see him in his plans, he will have no qualms about selling him to raise funds.

Likeliness to leave – 4/10

Aleksandar Mitrovic

Fan favourite Aleksandar Mitrovic has been linked with a move away from Tyneside ever since he was dropped by Rafael Benitez earlier this season.

The former Anderlecht striker has managed to net four goals this season in the Championship in 20 appearances, however, he has missed a number of golden chances this season, as he did during last season’s relegation campaign. This could be down to a lack of game time, confidence or immature decisions, but the Serb hasn’t covered himself in glory in the second-tier.

I’d like to see Mitrovic in a United jersey next season as I still believe he has the potential to become our number one striker – with his determination, belief and the support of our fans, I strongly believe he can prove his doubters wrong.

Despite the paper talk, I expect to see our number 45 playing at St James’ Park next season.

Likeliness to leave – 3/10

Vurnon Anita

His existing contract runs out at the end of the current campaign. He has been a loyal servant to the club over the past few years and he’s an example to other NUFC players.

In my opinion, I think the Dutchman deserves a new contract. He provides good cover in both fullback positions and can hold his own in a deep-lying midfield position if required.

The Dutch international has stiff competition in all areas of the pitch. And at this stage of his career, uncertainty over being an automatic starter could be a factor which makes him decline a new deal.

Despite stiff competition, I think Anita will accept a contract if Benitez chooses to offer him one.

Likeliness to leave – 5/10

Yoan Gouffran

Gouffran has been the surprise player this season. We thought that we had seen the last of the former french flop in the 2016 summer window when he nearly completed a move back to France. However, the former Bordeaux man has been fantastic in spells this season. He’s contributed five crucial goals from midfield.

His work rate has been the main factor that has pleased The Magpies faithful and Benitez alike. This commitment has earned him a regular place in the starting 11 for some time.

Gouffran’s contract runs out in the summer and I’d be surprised if NUFC offer him a new one.

The Frenchman is closing in on his 31st birthday and his footballing career is coming to an end. I think Gouffran will be one of the players who will be replaced in the summer – let’s hope he leaves on a high by sealing promotion.

Likeliness to leave – 6/10

Karl Darlow

Following up on his sparkling end to last season, Karl Darlow has had the finest campaign of his career. He’s surpassing all expectations as Magpies’ no.1, following newcomer Matz Sels’ early season struggles.

Darlow’s shot-stopping has been superb to watch and it’s bailed United out of trouble on countless occasions.

His heroics has put him on the watch-list of many top-flight clubs. With plenty of cover in the goalkeeper position, Rafa could be tempted to cash in.

It would be extremely foolish to sell an ever-improving keeper. He’s yet to enter the golden years of his career. For this reason, I’d like to think that the club will rebuff any interest in the 26-year-old.

Likeliness to leave – 6/10

Henri Saviet

Loanee Saivet has been playing for French side St Etienne this season, but an NUFC return isn’t on the cards.

The Chronicle report that Saivet is not considered to be a part of Benitez’s plans for next season. He’s as such set to leave Newcastle this summer after a dismal stint on Tyneside.

Saivet arrived along side midfield maestro Jonjo Shelvey in the 2016 January window for a reported fee of £5 million. Henri has played only four times for Newcastle after failing to cut the mustard, and his exit in the summer may be a foregone conclusion.

Likeliness to leave – 9/10

Jesus Gamez

The 31-year-old joined United in the summer transfer window from Spanish giants Atletico Madrid amid much fanfare. However, issues with injuries, fitness and form mean the Spaniard has struggled for game time.

As such, Jesus could be looking to move away this summer to try to secure some regular game time before he retires from football.

If an offer comes in for Gamez, I think the Spanish right back will be in favour of the move.

Likeliness to leave – 7/10

Matz Sels

He started the season as NUFC’s number one, but now he struggles to make the bench.

The Belgian has been playing with the Under-23 squad, and a loan move could be on the cards.

Sels was linked to his former club Gent on loan in January, but nothing materialised.

I think Rafa would be in favour of Sels getting game time else where.