Atsu's Newcastle exit hasn’t gone to plan

Christian Atsu was released by Newcastle United last summer and made the surprise decision to join Al-Raed on a two-year deal, but his switch to the Saudi Professional League hasn’t gone to plan.

The 30-year-old, who has played for FC Porto, Chelsea, Everton, Bournemouth and Malaga, has struggled for form, fitness and playing time at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, raising uncertainty over his long-term future.

Atsu has made 8/25 appearances for Al-Raed, notching just one assist. He’s yet to score for his new club and has amassing only 404 minutes of playing time from a possible 2250.

The Ghanian international, who has 10 goals and nine assists from 64 games for his country, has spent most of the season sidelined with a knee injury but recently returned to the fray.  

Atsu has been a bad omen for Al-Raed, winning only 1/8 games he’s played in (12.5%) and Raed Al Tahadi aren’t having the best season – they sit closer to the relegation zone (four points) than the top-five (13 points).

Whether the 30-year-old stays at Al-Raed for another season remains to be seen, as he’s not lived up to his hype.

In other news, Paul Robinson says Newcastle should only sign ‘phenomenal talent’ to bolster backline