- Newcastle United loanee to return from Ligue 1 loan spell
- Sanusi development hampered by injury and lack of gametime
- Lorient boss drops ‘difficult’ loan verdict
Newcastle United loanee Trevan Sanusi is set to return to the club this summer after a difficult loan spell in Ligue 1, where he has struggled for minutes. The winger’s return will likely do little to curb the Magpies’ need to sign a wide player this summer, especially with the increasingly likely departure of Anthony Gordon.
Sanusi was seen as one of Newcastle’s brightest academy prospects. He was sent to Lorient this summer, a club where players like Eli Kroupi Jr have previously thrived.
Despite this promise, the youngster has been hampered by injury and has failed to make any real impact since his arrival.
Trevan Sanusi struggles on loan
Sanusi was sent to France with high expectations but saw a niggling ankle sprain sideline him, and he has since not managed to break back into the side.
Speaking about the 19-year-old, Lorient manager Olivier Pantaloni said: “He arrived injured and it dragged on. Then, we mustn’t forget that he’s a young player arriving from a foreign country who doesn’t speak the language.
“He found himself in a group that has been working together for a long time, with playing principles and training methods that are perhaps different from those at Newcastle. It was difficult for him.
“I think it’s going to be difficult for him to make more appearances. He’s a kid who must have suffered from the situation. He’s always persevered.
“If Newcastle took a chance on him, it’s because they saw potential in him for the future. When you come from there, you want to play as much as possible. We didn’t give him the opportunity because we felt he wasn’t quite ready for Ligue 1.”
Newcastle United can find positivity in manager verdict
These words are perhaps more positive than they first appear. Pantaloni is clearly sympathetic towards Sanusi and acknowledges that it is not his ability that has prevented his development.
However, the final sentence suggests Sanusi may also have been hampered by Newcastle’s loan decision-making.
Loan manager Shola Ameobi has a mixed track record in this role. This could indicate either shortcomings in the club’s youth recruitment or difficulties in securing the right loan moves.
Sanusi is by no means a poor player. This has been evident in glimpses for the first team, as well as through his academy performances.
The hope will be that, with a full pre-season and time to recover, Sanusi can head out on loan again next season and push for a first-team place.
It would be a surprise to see him remain at Newcastle as a squad option, even with the uncertainty surrounding Anthony Gordon’s future on the left flank.
Anthony Gordon departure could spark signings
It is looking increasingly likely that Anthony Gordon will leave Newcastle this summer, with growing interest from European giants such as Bayern Munich and Barcelona.
The England international’s departure would leave a significant gap on the left wing, which the club will need to address ahead of a crucial Premier League campaign next season.
Harvey Barnes is likely to remain at the club, whether as a starter or backup remains to be seen. This leaves the door open for either a marquee signing or a younger, high-ceiling player capable of making an immediate impact.
Had Sanusi’s Ligue 1 loan spell gone more smoothly, there may have been scope for him to fill that latter role. However, given his struggles, it seems more likely the club will look to the transfer market while he continues his development elsewhere.
In other news, Ex Newcastle United and Arsenal man with 118 Premier League appearances becomes free agent.
