Despite spending just six months on Tyneside before Newcastle United were relegated in 2016, Andros Townsend is a firm fan favourite and the club even attempted to bring him back in 2018. However, Dean Widnass can’t see Steve Bruce being tempted to bring the 29-year-old back to St James’ Park this summer.
Townsend ended up joining Crystal Palace in the summer of Newcastle’s relegation but he failed to impress on a consistent basis, something that held him back at Tottenham Hotspur as well, and he now finds himself as a free agent this summer, as things stand.
The winger recently confirmed that he already has two offers from clubs ahead of next season but is keeping his options open, potentially waiting for a call from Bruce who is a big fan of homegrown players as that was all he signed last season for the first team.
However, Windass is not confident in seeing Townsend making an emotional return to St James’ Park because of his lack of goals during his time at Palace, as he explained exclusively to Transfer Tavern:
“No, I can’t see that happening and I can’t see Steve taking a chance on him because I think he’s really struggled at Crystal Palace in the last couple of seasons.
“He hasn’t moved on in terms of developing and he hasn’t managed to add goals to his game so I can’t see Steve taking a chance on him.”
Newcastle are in need of reinforcements this summer and Bruce may look to dip into both the free agent and loan market this summer to avoid eating up too much of his reported £10 million budget.
Townsend spent a short but sweet time on Tyneside when he was signed by Rafa Benitez and there was hope that he may stay on with the Magpies into the Championship, however he claimed that playing in the second tier of English football never really crossed his mind.