NUFC Out of Contract Players: Keep or Ditch?

[bodacious benny]

We've a fair few players coming to the end of their contract in summer. Which of the notable ones would you keep?

Some are obvious yes/no, other's more borderline.

For me Murphy is a definite keeper. He's got some talent and can deliver a decent cross (something we're severely lacking). He's been in and out of the team this season but definitely a useful squad player IMO. Fernandez should also get an extension, usually pretty consistent and been one of our better players this season.

I'm torn on Gayle, and I think he'll want to leave anyway. We've zero backup for Wilson, and if we want to play like we did v Everton (hopefully we do) going forward then we need a mobile pressing striker and he can do that if needed. But his PL goals return is poor and he's really a good Championship striker. So it depends on if we get another striker in...

Carroll has to go I think. He's only useful occasionally for the 'lump it up front approach' and although he can trouble defenders he's not a PL player anymore.

No explanation on Atsu, Saivet or Lazaar required...

[Captain Obvious]

I'd keep Fede for sure, I think he's solid and a model pro. I'd also keep Murphy - he's decent wing cover and must be worth £8-10m if we ever did want to sell. I'd honestly let the rest go - Gayle just isn't reliable enough from a fitness point of view and that is only going to get worse for the lad. The rest must all go.

[overseasTOON]

From that list the only player I'd hope to retain is Murphy for the reasons you've mentioned.

Gayle, Carroll and Fernandez should be easier to find like for like replacements in terms of squad players but the others are dead weight.

[Sanchino]

I agree with pretty much everything you said. Fernandez definitely deserves a contract extension, he's our best CB.. consistent, strong, brave, very good tackler & reads the game well. Murphy can be very useful weather as RWB/RW.. he's got the pace & crossing ability to trouble defenses, with our new more positive approach & pressuring higher up the pitch I think there's a place for him somewhere weather that be as a impact sub / squad player / regular.. give him a 2/3 contract.

Gayle I'm torn.. can't ever see him being a consistent goalscorer in the Prem & while he does look like a goal threat when playing his fitness/injury issues are a concern & at 31 he's getting on a bit & his pace will decline. 50/50 on this one.. we could use the wages we get him from leaving for a younger & fresher upcoming youngster to partner / compete / cover for Wilson.

Carroll yeah.. not the same player he once was & the way we're looking to set up I don't think he fits into this system apart from being a plan B of the bench, then there's the obvious concerns with his injuries/keeping fit.

I'll say keep Fernandez & Murphy for sure. Let Carroll & Gayle go.. use those wages to get a young quality striker in who can deputize or partner Wilson in the summer.

[Donkey Toon]

I'd keep Fernandez for sure, I consider him to be our best defender. I'd keep Gayle but there is no chance he would agree a contract. He gets next to zero playing time in a team with massively under performing strikers and he will have no shortage of other options, so I expect him to find another club (which he will do easily).

The rest are either surplus to requirements or not good enough and can be replaced.

[lassassinblanc]

Did fede not sign a new contract earlier this season?
Murphy has done well this season and probably deserves a new deal.
I'd agree with the sentiment on Gayle and Carroll wages for them might be better used for younger targets in the summer

[bodacious benny]

Did fede not sign a new contract earlier this season?

Not sure - Clark signed a new one last week but can't remember Fernandez.

[ALF]

I'd keep Murphy, Fede and Carroll. Murphy and Fede for obvious reasons and I think Carroll has looked decent recently. He's actually got great technical ability and I think he is a decent option to have.

[ALF]

Also, is Schar not out of contract this season as well?

[bodacious benny]

Also, is Schar not out of contract this season as well?

Oh yeah, another one to keep though if it's a straight choice between him and Lejeune (presuming one will go) I'd keep Lejeune.

[Colly]

Who ticked Laser?!?

[lassassinblanc]

[Colly]

[lassassinblanc]

Rumours of him going to AC Milan

[bodacious benny]

Rumours of him going to AC Milan

In what capacity?

[Colly]

Stadium tour?

[Sanchino]

Rumours of him going to AC Milan

In what capacity?

Very cheap back-up to Theo Hernandez?

I don't understand myself as there's younger & better alternatives than him.. surely there's a young LB in there youth set-up who they can call upon? OR Diego Dalot? Tomori?

Good luck to him either way

[Colback's Orange Tufts]

Gayle i would keep, if the manager would ever play him. As it stands he is wasted wages with Bruce

[bodacious benny]

Yeah, especially if we don't have any plans/ideas for a new striker to bring in (which presumably we don't...) then it's a risk to let him go. If Wilson was injured I'd rather play Gayle for a run of games over Carroll or Joelinton (no brainer).

Given what Yedlin said about lack of communication from the club over his extension it doesn't fill you with much faith.

[Sanchino]

Yeah, especially if we don't have any plans/ideas for a new striker to bring in (which presumably we don't...) then it's a risk to let him go. If Wilson was injured I'd rather play Gayle for a run of games over Carroll or Joelinton (no brainer).

Given what Yedlin said about lack of communication from the club over his extension it doesn't fill you with much faith.

True good point.. plus we might need him IF we go down. Top striker to have in the Champs. 20+ guarantee.