:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58973399/646373252.jpg.0.jpg)
Jack Colback is still a Newcastle United player, after the club failed to move him permanently during both the summer and January transfer windows, he’s been playing for Nottingham Forrest on loan.
Information is finally coming out about what will happen to the player come this summer, who has yet to decide on his future. I mean, seriously, Jack Colback has absolutely no future at Newcastle United while Rafa Benitez is still manager (hopefully that is a long time) and the player even decided to accuse the Spaniard of showing a lack of respect — which is a surefire way to not get a spot in the first team squad.
In fact, the reason why the club couldn’t offload the “surplus to requirements” player? Colback himself didn’t want to leave. He rejected all offers that came his way for a permanent move because he was comfortable in the North East.
I’ll take Colback at his word that Rafa’s treatment of him was less than spectacular. All managers have players that they mishandle. One of the biggest examples of this Louis van Gaal’s treatment of Robin van Persie, who was the most prolific striker for the Red Devils during his time there and was quickly rushed out by the end of van Gaal’s first season in charge.
Managers have players that they want out, that they consider “surplus to requirements” and while it sucks for the player involved, you can always handle it the way that van Persie did, and that was by avoiding conflict. He accepted the move, and went on his way. It doesn’t seem like Colback wants to do that.
Either way, Colback will be moving on from Newcastle United this summer one way or another. And if we’re going the route of making statements, I may not put it past Benitez to simply release him.
The ball’s in Colback’s court. It’s not that he’s a bad player, but he doesn’t fit the system and requirements that Benitez feels is necessary for Newcastle United to succeed. He had plenty of suitors in the summer, let’s hope they come calling again. And that Colback actually takes a deal.