While most of the French media were trying to work out whether or not Jordan Veretout would remain at Saint-Etienne, one man was completely forgotten: Henri Saivet.
The Newcastle United midfielder, also sent on loan to the Ligue 1 club for the season, has had far less impact on his temporary side’s season than his Aston Villa counterpart, and that is why Les Verts won’t be keeping him next season.
That is, at least, what But! Football Club were reporting over the weekend.
The French website published an article explaining three players would not be kept beyond this season, with the Newcastle man being one of them after his ‘very disappointing’ season.
Saivet has made 28 appearances for Saint-Etienne this season, scoring one goal and picking up two assists, which is a poor return for someone playing more often than not in an attacking midfield role.
Since this season was a chance for the 26-year-old to put himself back into the spotlight after an unfortunate six months at St James’ Park, there is now a big question mark surrounding his future at Newcastle.
With a contract keeping him at the soon-to-be Premier League club until 2021, it seems Rafa Benitez only has one option this summer when it comes to Saivet: try and sell him.
The problem here is, very few French clubs will want to spend the £5m Newcastle are bound to ask for him, considering that is what they bought him for in January 2016.
Is another loan on the horizon? We’ll have to wait and see.
