Newcastle United starlet Adam Armstrong has extended his loan deal with fellow Championship side Barnsley until the end of the season
Armstrong initially signed a six-month loan deal with the Tykes back in the summer, shortly after signing a new contract with Newcastle until 2020.
The 19-year-old went on to net three times in 12 appearances for Barnsley, including the stunning winner on his debut away at Preston North End in September.
Armstrong had missed several games recently due to a knock but came off the bench to set up Conor Hourihane’s winner at Nottingham Forest at the weekend.
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez initially opted to loan Armstrong out to gain some much-needed Championship experience, which looked less likely at St. James’ Park given the senior striker options already at the club.
Some had questioned whether or not Armstrong would have been given a chance at Newcastle after January with Newcastle’s goal-scoring prowess seeming to rely a little too heavily on 19-goal Dwight Gayle recently, but those rumours have been put to rest with news of Armstrong’s deal at Oakwell being extended today.
Twitter: Adam Armstrong Extends Loan Deal! Find out more at https://t.co/tmdbGEIMKN #COYR https://t.co/skHCDbcwyd (@bfc_official)
News of the extension has gone down well with both Barnsely supporters and their head coach, Paul Heckingbottom.
“We’re really pleased to be able to keep Arma at Oakwell until the end of the season,” said Heckingbottom, speaking to Barnsley’s official club website.
“He’s really bought in to what we are trying to do here and worked hard, which is what we need at the Club. He obviously came in and scored a great goal on his debut and has gone on to help the team from there to get to where we are.
“He picked up a slight knock recently but I was really pleased with his comeback against Nottingham Forest and it gives us another much-needed option up-top.
“I’d like to thank Rafa Benitez and Newcastle United for allowing Adam to extend his stay here and it goes to show that other top Club’s trust us to look after their players and help to develop them further, as well as helping us.”
Newcastle will now turn their attention to making some additions of their own, with a move for Everton’s Tom Cleverley looking to gather momentum.
