Matz Sels last played for Newcastle United in a 3-0 loss to Oxford United in January. With Karl Darlow now Rafael Benitez’s preference, Sels was left with the cup and now doesn’t have that.
There’s been speculation about the goalkeeper’s future at Newcastle since not long after he joined. The Belgian removed himself from Twitter after a barrage of abuse about his performances and it’s so far not been a happy transfer for the former Gent player.
Speaking to Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad, Sels was pressed on his future and a possible return to Belgian football: “If the situation remains as it is, I’ll talk to Newcastle in the summer about a solution.
“Never say never, but a return to Belgium, the next five years is out of the question, so certainly not next season. Maybe a loan turn to another English club and I can still return in time at Newcastle.”
The 24 year old has a contract with Newcastle United until June 2021, so in theory there’s plenty of time for him to leave on loan and build up some confidence, and then return as a more prominent player.
If Benitez continues to pick Darlow over Sels then a loan is perhaps the likeliest scenario.
Benitez is likely to have a shake-up of his goalkeepers at the end of season, with a decision needing to be made on the future of not only Sels, but also Tim Krul, currently on loan at AZ.
