It’s been a strange time in Toon, admits Bentaleb
NABIL Bentaleb believes it has been a “strange” loan spell at Newcastle United so far – and admits he is keeping an open mind on his future.
Frozen out at Bundesliga outfit Schalke, the former Tottenham midfielder signed at St James’ Park in January and was immediately handed a starting spot.
However, Bentaleb has so far struggled to show his best form in black and white, and the Algerian international has not been able to consistently hold down a place in the team.
Bentaleb, along with fellow loanees Valentino Lazaro and Danny Rose, agreed to a short-term extension of his loan due to the suspension of the season in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
This lengthy break – coupled with a return to action behind closed doors – means it has been a surreal second spell in English football for the 25-year-old, who was handed his Premier League debut by Spurs, the club he left in 2017.
Addressing his loan so far and his future, Bentaleb told the club’s website: “It was a strange situation, I come and play two games and then lockdown.
“So yeah, it was a little bit strange but we’ll see what happens in the future.”