Shola-not?! Ameobi ready for Newcastle return as Turkish delight ends
Published:
Shola Ameobi may be eyeing up a sensational return to hometown club Newcastle United after bringing his stay in Turkey to a premature conclusion.
The 33-year-old was released by the Magpies over the summer and despite a variety of offers from both the MLS and A-League among others the Nigeria international took the unusual step of signing for second-tier side Gaziantep.
However Ameobi has opted to leave the Turkish club with immediate effect, despite enjoying a solid start to life there having scored four goals in 11 appearances for his new side.
The striker cited “family reasons” as the main reason behind his decision to quit Gaziantep, having previously signed a one-year deal with the second-tier outfit.
And speculation is now mounting that Ameobi could be in line for a move back to Newcastle United, with the striker available for nothing and likely to be open to the prospect of signing a short-term deal.
The Magpies remain short on numbers this term following a raft of injury setbacks while strikers like Emmanuel Riviere and Facundo Ferreyra have both so far failed to impress those behind the scenes at St James’ Park.
Alan Pardew’s departure to Crystal Palace could also be of benefit to Ameobi, with the ex-Toon boss previously at the helm of the club when it was decided that the 33-year-old’s contract would not be renewed.
And while Newcastle United are one viable option for the Tyneside favourite, the striker could well attract interest from any number of struggling Premier League clubs keen to add a little experience and another option to their attacking play.
With Ameobi currently a free agent, the forward is likely to bide his time before making a move, with transfers to either Australia or America both still possibilities.
However with the Toon in desperate need of a hero, any incoming Magpies manager could immediately endear himself to the club’s supporters with the recruitment of this club legend.
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