Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez has hinted that club could turn Christian Atsu’s loan deal into a permanent deal, as per a report in the Sunday Express.
Discussing Atsu’s future following confirmation of their promotion to the Premier League{.keyword} with a win over Cardiff, Benitez said that Atsu’s recent impressive form, two goals in his last two matches, would not alone warrant a permanent move.
The future of a player doesn’t change with one action or goal. We know that he’s a good player. We have to decide. I’m really pleased with him. We have to see where we are in terms of the squad and all these things.
Atsu has made 34 appearances for Newcastle{.keyword} this season, scoring five goals, getting three assists, and helping the Magpies{.keyword} gain promotion back to the Premier League{.keyword} at the first time of asking.
The 25-year-old joined Chelsea in 2013 from Porto but is yet to make his debut at Stamford Bridge. He has spent time on loan with Vitesse Arnhem, Everton{.keyword}, Bournemouth{.keyword}, Malaga before joining the Magpies{.keyword} for this season.
He was selected for the African Cup of Nations, with Ghana earlier this year, and featured in all their matches as they finished fourth in the competition, losing the third place play-off to Burkina Faso.