Newcastle goalkeeper Matz Sels’ proposed switch to Anderlecht is now off after the two clubs couldn’t agree a fee for the Belgian, according to BT Sport.
It is understood that the player had agreed personal terms to return to his home country some time ago, but the Brussels based club couldn’t meet the Magpies asking price.
The 26-year old has struggled since switching Gent for Tyneside in 2016, only making nine appearances for the club in the Championship.
He spent last season on loan with the Belgian club, who failed to defend their league title from the season before.
Talking to Belgian outlet Voetbalkrant, club director Luc Devroe confirmed the deal had been called off. Devroe said:
If more than 10 new players have to be added, we can not spend too much on one player.
The financial picture for the Sels transfer became too big. [Frank] Boeckx and [Thomas] Didillon will compete for the spot under the bar.
The news will be disappointing for Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez, who is looking to offload players who are surplus to requirements in order to make new signings this summer.
Benitez needs to raise transfer funds while also lowering the club’s costly wage bill, and having signed Martin Dubravka on a permanent basis, Sels is high on the list of players who need to go.
