Rafa Benitez paid 6.5m for Matz Sels. He was probably hoping for a greater return on Newcastle’s investment.
The Belgian goalkeeper arrived at St James’ Park with a decent reputation behind him. He claimed 18 clean sheets for Gent in his final campaign with the club and arrived with tying down the No.1 spot.
With Tim Krul expected to move on, Sels will battle it out for that role with Karl Darlow and Elliot, when the Ireland goalkeeper returns from a knee injury. Elliot, who was the club’s starting goalkeeper when he got injured on international duty, is due back in October.
Sels was very much in preseason mode, last night, as he gifted Doncaster their opening goal in a 2-2 draw.
Sels tried to dink the ball over the head of John Marquis then immediately regretted his decision. He clambered in Marquis and conceded an obvious penalty.
Toon found themselves 2-0 down but gained the draw after goals from Ayoze Perez and Isaac Haydens.
It will be interesting to see who Benitez selects next to start in goal for Newcastle’s next game.
