What’s Next for Rolando Aarons at Newcastle?

It has been three years since Rolando Aarons burst onto the scene, scoring against Manchester City in a Capital One Cup win. He looked to be Newcastle’s new teenage sensation before injuries derailed his progress. There is so much potential yet to be fulfilled, and Aarons turns 22 today.

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Aarons has this year to fight for playing time and challenge for a starting role at the club. No one doubts the skill of the winger still ripe with vitality, but it seems he has not convinced people of his ability to avoid the injury bug which has decommissioned him more times than suitable for development.

Potential to get injured is not a legitimate reason for excluding a player from the lineup, yet Aarons has been denied opportunities to play even when he is fit. Rafa Benitez must not have confidence in the young winger. This is surprising because after signing a five year contract in 2016, Aarons can be quoted to have said that he was “happy that (Benitez) has faith” in him. Aarons is still under contract until the summer of 2021.

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There has not been indication of disaccord between Aarons and management, so there must be a plan for Aarons to remain a Newcastle player despite a lack of first team action. He does not have overwhelming competition for the wing positions at the club, but Aarons finds himself out of favor even at full health. He even requested to play with a reserve team to have playing time. It is possible that he goes out on loan to a club in England’s second tier in the January transfer window.

Regardless of what the club staff have planned for Aarons, we supporters love to see him play. Happy birthday Rolando!