Dwight Gayle, a former striker for Newcastle United, is no longer bound by a contract after leaving Stoke City on deadline day.
The 34-year-old, who only scored three goals in 50 appearances for the Potters since joining from Newcastle in the summer of 2022, has battled with form. He hasn’t found the net since netting a brace in a 5-1 victory at Sunderland in March of last year.
This semester, Gayle has made 13 appearances; nevertheless, his 10-minute cameo on New Year’s Day was his final appearance. “Dwight has been a true professional throughout his time with Stoke City and a positive influence around Clayton Wood,” stated Ricky Martin, technical director of Stoke City. We appreciate all of his hard work over the last 15 months and wish him the best in his future endeavors.
Before joining Stoke, Gayle had a successful record in the Championship. After netting 13 goals for Peterborough United, the 34-year-old was granted a transfer to Crystal Palace, a Premier League team, then returned to England’s second division with Newcastle in 2016.
Rafa Benitez paid £12 million to get Gayle, who scored 23 goals to propel United back to the Premier League on their first try. During his six-year tenure on Tyneside, which included a loan spell at West Bromwich Albion in 2018–19, he made 122 appearances and scored 34 goals overall.
Eddie Howe, the head coach of United, stated when Gayle left Newcastle, “I was very honest with him.” I mentioned before that, in my opinion, I got along well with him right away and that I enjoy working with him.
“He was outstanding for the team the previous season, and for all those reasons, I felt he deserved my deepest respect and candor regarding his future, and I wanted to provide him with the best opportunity to find a new home.
“I sincerely hope he continues and has an incredible season the following year. I wish him nothing but the best.