What a season Christian Atsu has had. The midfielder, on loan from Chelsea, helped Newcastle United earn a hard fought return to the Premier League following a 4-1 demolition of Preston North End at St James’ Park on Monday night.
For good measure, Atsu scored his fourth goal of the season, a 45th minute strike that sent the Magpies back into the lead after Jordan Hugill had cancelled out Ayoze Perez’s seventh minute opener.
Matt Ritchie and Perez would score in the second half to ensure that the game was safe and the three points shot Rafa Benitez’s men to 88 points and back up to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
The midfielder tweeted his appreciation to fans and team mates later.
After four straight seasons of being farmed out on loan by Chelsea, this season might be the most rewarding for the 25-year-old so far as he helped his side gain promotion.
But how much longer would he continue to be sent out on loan by the Blues who have shown they do not want him? Having never played in an official match for Chelsea, it is clear they do not think he is good enough.
But will he be good enough for the Magpies in the Premier League?
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Newcastle United have an option of making his move permanent but it is not yet known if Benitez wants to keep him despite his services this season.
Atsu has played 30 matches for the Magpies (just 13 starts) as they lie four points behind Brighton and Hove Albion at the top of the Championship.
According to Tranfermarkt, Atsu is worth 2.5m Euros. It is money that Benitez could consider shelling out to retain the Ghana star in his fold as they go back to the tougher competition in the EPL.
But would he? The following weeks will determine where the Ghanaian’s future will be.
