Matz Sels Loaned to Anderlecht

After 9 appearances in his first year at Newcastle United, Matz Sels has completed a loan to Anderlecht for the upcoming season. Anderlecht have just come off a season where they have won the Belgium First Division title, the Belgian Cup.

Sels, 24 years old at the time, was a signing last summer that Benitez was very excited about as he was sought after by other Premier League teams such as Southampton. He was the first choice at keeper at the beginning of the season in the Championship, but did not stay with the starting eleven for very long. Sels was not a fan favorite, as he took abuse on social media after letting up a late equalizer to Aston Villa in their first head to head match of the season. Fans were not always comfortable, and with good reason, with the presence Sels had as the final line of defense. Benitez soon replaced him with Karl Darlow, another young goal stopper.

Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images

This loan should not come as a surprise as Sels was not used enough and did not perform up to par for his 5 million transfer fee. Also, Newcastle has Karl Darlow, Rob Elliot, Freddie Woodman, and Tim Krul to choose from, making an interesting decision for Rafa Benitez.

Matz will likely be the starting goalie for Anderlecht meaning he will be playing Champions League football if all goes well for the 25-year-old. This could be important development for the young Belgian, in which improving his shot stopping and confidence as a goalkeeper would be huge in his future with Newcastle United.