What is the Right Price for Dwight Gayle?

It might not be what we want to think about right now with the form that Dwight Gayle is in, but if you are realistic about NUFC returning the Premier League next year and competing, there is something to be considered in selling Dwight Gayle.

Newcastle’s current golden boy leads the Championship with 16 goals to his name in just 16 appearances. He is coming off a hat trick against Birmingham City over the weekend as well. He has been in impeccable form for the majority of the season, making him a curious target for other teams.

On this site, we have discussed how we do not think Gayle will find the same amount of success in the Premier League. With that being said, wouldn’t it make sense to cash in on the forward while we have the chance and his stock is at it’s highest?

I’m leaning toward saying yes here. We have a number of options to play up top in Rafa Benitez’s 4-4-1-1. Aleksander Mitrovic and Ayoze Perez represent proven scorers at the top level. Newcastle would need to bring in someone else to help bolster their attacking options, but preparing for next season would be smart.

Obviously, the Magpies should not be looking to sell Gayle, as he is far and away their best scorer right now. However, Benitez paid £.10 million this past summer to bring him aboard. If Newcastle received a £.12-£.15 million bid from the likes of Middlesbrough or Burnley, Benitez might have to consider selling. Both of those clubs are desperate for a goal scorer as they sit last and fourth to last respectively in goals scored this season. Each of those sides finds themselves in a furious battle to avoid relegation after achieving promotion just a season ago. Gayle could provide a spark to secure themselves enough points to stay up.

That type of money would allow Rafa to start searching for a creative attacking midfielder, who control the ball in the opposition’s half and who possess enough skill to create chances for both himself and others. Perez has struggled playing in that role, as has Mohamed Diame. Yoan Gouffran seems well cemented on the wing and it would be foolish to push him back inside.

Achieving promotion remains the ultimate goal for the Toon Army, but if a good enough deal comes through from a struggling Premier League club or even a Scottish team in search of a scoring option, Newcastle will have to consider it.

What do you think? Should Rafa even consider selling Gayle? Let me know what you think in the comments below.