Many Newcastle United supporters have reacted angrily to comments from Steve Bruce that the Magpies do not have any regrets about allowing DeAndre Yedlin to leave the club in the January transfer window.
The right-back role was one which Bruce struggled to nail down in the first half of the season, with game-time distributed out to Emil Krafth, Javier Manquillo, Yedlin and even Jacob Murphy. However, with Yedlin’s contract set to expire at the end of the campaign, the decision was made to let him join Galatasaray on transfer deadline day.
That decision now appears to be misguided with Manquillo since suffering an ankle injury. The absence of the Spaniard left Newcastle with only Krafth as a and available natural right-back in the squad for the trip to Chelsea on Monday. The defender endured a torrid evening and failed to win a single tackle (Sofascore), as well as being at fault for the first goal.
After the game, Bruce was questioned over the decision to allow Yedlin to leave, and he responded by outlining that he has no regrets over it and insisted that his departure was necessary to free up room in the squad for other potential additions to be made (Chronicle Live).
The manager outlined: “Look, he was out of contract, and we had three right-backs at the club. So, you know, we made the decision. You have to make decisions. We had to make way for somebody else to come in. I’ve got no regrets.”
However, with only Joe Willock arriving on loan, the Magpies have now restored Christian Atsu to their 25-man Premier League squad. That suggests that Yedlin’s departure would only have been vital to free up room if another player was added alongside the Arsenal loanee.
Newcastle fans react to Bruce’s comments on Yedlin
Many Newcastle fans were left frustrated with Bruce’s comments and believe that, whilst Yedlin is not the best player they could have in that position, he would be a better option to have in the squad than Krafth.
We didn’t sell him basically gave him away
— Peter kitching (@pkitchingNUFC) February 16, 2021
Bit weird considering we have one fit right back
— r.i.p. bray wyatt (@razorschar) February 16, 2021
Gave him away not sold.
— Steven Halford (@StevenHalford2) February 16, 2021
I bet yedlin has no regrets moving away from Steve Bruce
— simon (@carlahelenasdad) February 16, 2021
Yedlin is not very good, however, he is 10x better than Krafth.
— Sid (@booktowertom) February 16, 2021
https://twitter.com/howsthebacon_/status/1361628507420393473?s=19
Laughable really
— Jean Maniah (@Jeanmaniah) February 16, 2021
No words😫
— Andy Stamp (@AndyStamp2) February 16, 2021
