Newcastle United confirmed on Tuesday that Yoshinori Muto had left the club by mutual consent, ending a three-year stay at St James’ Park that saw him score just one Premier League goal.

The 29-year-old had his contract terminated despite having 12 months remaining on the four-year deal he signed in 2018, but Muto had been surplus to requirements for some time.  

Newcastle spent nearly £10m to lure Muto from 1.FSV Mainz 05 and he went on to make 28 appearances in all competitions, scoring two goals for his troubles. Fans responding to the post on social media weren’t sad to see Muto leave, they were angry at the waste of money.

The Japanese international’s poor form at Newcastle resulted in a lack of playing time and Muto was eventually loaned out to SD Eibar last season as he had no place in Steve Bruce’s plans.

He scored three goals and made two assists in 28 games for the Spanish outfit and Bruce didn’t deem him worth keeping into his final season, so Newcastle cut their losses. United have yet to sign anyone this summer, so the recruitment team are taking a battering from supporters.

In other news, excitement on social media as Newcastle agree to match Joe Willock’s asking price