Why Newcastle letting their 21-year-old starlet leave on loan is ideal for all parties

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Why Newcastle have made the right choice by sending Jake Turner out on loan

According to Chronicle Live, Newcastle United goalkeeper Jake Turner has joined Morecambe on loan for the 2020/21 season.

A highly-rated keeper, Turner joined Newcastle just last summer from Bolton Wanderers. The 21-year-old mainly featured for the Magpies under-23 side last season and had trained regularly with their first-team before moving to Morecambe recently.

Jake Turner joined Newcastle United from Bolton Wanderers just last summer.
Jake Turner joined Newcastle United from Bolton Wanderers just last summer. (Getty Images)

He featured 11 times for their reserve side and kept four clean sheets in the process, giving a clear idea of his skills between the post. However, he is yet to feature for their first-team. Turner has also featured for England at youth levels and has represented them at the under-19 level.

First-team opportunities limited for Turner at Newcastle 

Meanwhile, Turner’s parent club Newcastle are well-stacked in the goalkeeping department ahead, with Martin Dubravka still remaining the side’s No.1 goalkeeper.

The Slovakian was one of the few players in the Newcastle side who started all their league matches this season, signifying his worth. The 31-year-old managed 11 clean sheets from his 38 Premier League appearances, helping Steve Bruce’s side stay safe in the top-flight.

Martin Dubravka is currently the first-choice keeper at Newcastle.
Martin Dubravka is currently the first-choice keeper at Newcastle. (Getty Images)

Apart from Dubravka, Newcastle have Karl Darlow, Mark Gillespie, and Freddie Woodman in their ranks, meaning Turner’s departure will not affect the side next season. Darlow remains the side’s second-choice keeper while Gillespie was recently acquired by the club on a free transfer.

Academy graduate Woodman, on the other hand just returned after a successful loan spell Championship side Swansea and is most likely to head out on loan once again.

With the side already having four established keepers in their midst, first-team opportunities will be very limited for Turner. Moreover, a move to a lower division side such as Morecombe will give him a regular taste of senior football and prepare him for the upcoming challenges at St. James’ Park.

Mark Gillespie arrived recently from Scottish side Motherwell FC on a free transfer.
Mark Gillespie arrived recently at Newcastle from Scottish side Motherwell FC on a free transfer. (Getty Images)

At the moment, Turner clearly looks surplus to Newcastle’s requirements and the club’s decision to send him out on loan seems like a step in the right direction.

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Verdict

Newcastle currently have enough depth in their goal-keeping department and Turner’s move to Morecambe will not hurt them next season. In fact, it will only give the young Englishman more game time and experience, which, in turn, will prove useful for the Magpies. Also, he is just 21 and has plenty of room to grow.