Newcastle Transfers: 8 Players Rafa Benitez Still Needs To Get Rid Of

“An enigma is probably the best way to describe him. Sammy has fantastic ability, we watch him in training every day, but not always has he transferred that to the pitch. Occasionally he has, and you think, wow, why’s he not in the side, then within a week he goes out and performs and everyone says, that’s why he’s not in the side. It’s about consistency with Sammy.” - Russell Slade, April 2016.

Is he still here? Yes, the forgotten man. At one stage, it looked as though Sammy Ameobi might be about to emulate his brother in carving out a career on Tyneside, with Newcastle fans buckling themselves in for another 20 years of erratic first touches and wayward strikes.

While the gangly winger has had his moments for the club, he has never looked truly comfortable with the ball at his feet in a black and white kit and was sent out on loan to Cardiff City last season. He failed to kickstart his career in Wales however, and the 24-year-old now looks to be running out of time to rejuvenate his Tyneside dream.

At least the Newcastle fans will always have that moment at Darlington to remember - 'If Sammy scores, we're on the pitch'. For a man who has only ever scored six senior goals in 116 appearances, he chooses his moments...