Federico Fernandez and Matty Longstaff will reportedly leave Newcastle United today.
The duo are yet to feature for the Magpies this season, and need to secure moves away to guarantee first-team football.
It looks like that is going to happen before the 11pm deadline, with the Telegraph reporting that Fernandez and Longstaff have exits lined up.
Fernandez to leave Newcastle and join Elche
According to the Telegraph (10.10am), Fernandez is on his way to Spain. They report that the veteran defender is going to join La Liga side Elche.
The 33-year-old has barely featured for Newcastle since Eddie Howe replaced Steve Bruce. He’s made just two appearances under the new manager, including a wonderful showing in a 1-1 draw with Norwich last year. After that game, he was called the ‘ultimate professional‘ by Howe. However, it didn’t lead to a run in the team.
New defenders have arrived in his place, with the new owners bringing in Dan Burn and Sven Botman.
That’s led to Fernandez falling down the pecking order, and he’s now off to Spain in search of minutes. He’ll join a team that includes a lot of fellow Argentinians, including former PSG ace Javier Pastore.
It’s unclear whether or not it’s a loan exit or a permanent move. The former is more likely given the timing, while the Daily Mail have stated that he is available for a temporary exit.
Matty Longstaff off to Barnsley
Another player set to leave Newcastle today is Matty Longstaff. The Telegraph state that he is going to join League One side Barnsley on loan.
However, his contract expires next summer and the Telegraph add that the move to the Yorkshire club should become permanent in 2023.
The 22-year-old has been with the first-team throughout pre-season, but has been unable to force his way into Howe’s plans. Another loan exit felt inevitable, and it’s good to know he will now be going somewhere he can play regular football.
After that amazing start in a Newcastle shirt, it just hasn’t worked out for Matty Longstaff. He’s never been able to get back to the heights of that incredible debut against Manchester United when he scored the winner.
But the memories will live on, and the academy graduate will now look to create more memorable moments at Oakwell.