It’s been over three years since Newcastle United signed Rodrigo Vilca from Peruvian side Deportivo Municipal, and the player is still to have a chance to play for the Magpies.
Since landing the midfielder, the St. James’ Park side loaned him out to Doncaster Rovers, Universitario and Vozdovac, and now have him back in the squad after the end of his spell at the Serbian side.
This situation is creating some controversy in Peru. And today, outlet La Republica features some quotes from former Newcastle star Nolberto Solano.
The ex-player was interviewed by El Futbolero, and claimed that his compatriot may have joined the Magpies at a complicated time.
“I think Rodrigo arrived at a tough and difficult stage at Newcastle. It’s not so simple to come from the Peruvian league and play in the Premier League. There are processes, especially with young players. It all came so quickly for him. There was talk of Newcastle and, at some point, from my experience, I knew it was going to be very hard for him.
“At the moment he is not at the club, he is still on loan. In the last two years, he has been loaned out everywhere. It’s not easy to make his debut. It’s difficult to be in the reserves and then make it to the first team. At the beginning, he had the chance to be here, but it was hard and difficult for him, that’s why he ends up on loan. He’s still at Newcastle because he has a contract and the club has to honour it even if you’re not there. The institution is still responsible if nobody comes and buys you.”
Vilca’s contract with Newcastle expires at the end of the season, and it very much looks like he’ll leave the club, unless there’s a big turnaround in his situation.
Part of his future should be decided in the coming weeks, as the Magpies must find him a new destination or keep him in the squad for the rest of the season.
Since Vilca is now 24, there’s not a lot more development for Newcastle United to wait for.
