€25m flying wing-back confirms turning down huge Newcastle United contract
Robin Gosens has revealed that he turned down a big-money move to Newcastle last month so not to “jeopardise my sporting goals”.
Gosens, 27, instead decided to make a loan move to Inter Milan from Atalanta. That loan arrangement includes an obligation to buy at €25m if certain conditions are met. Gosens was a man in demand despite being sidelined with a hamstring injury since September.
He is expected to return soon and Inter were happy to land the player despite his injury.
Newcastle also made moves to land the Germany international, who has been superb in the last two seasons.
The wing-back has scored 10 and 12 goals respectively for Atalanta in the last two seasons. And his running power was evident at Euro 2020 when he starred for Germany.
Eddie Howe’s men are understood to have one offer rejected by the Serie A side.
According to Goal, who cited Sky Italia, the Magpies had an agreement in place with Gosens over personal terms.
That now appears wide of the mark, with Newcastle never managing to get an agreement with the player, despite offers.
Gosens told Kicker, via Goal: “I had a contract offer, but I rejected it. I would have jeopardised my sporting goals.
“I think it’s very human to think about it,” he added. “If you can earn many times more for the same job at a different club, show me someone who just says ‘No, thank you’.
“It’s not just about me, I could probably have secured a few more generations of my family with this money.”
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Gosens: Win-win situation
Just days after Newcastle’s offer, Gosens says Inter made an approach and the deal happened quickly.
“Back then I switched to Atalanta for less than a million, now the club is getting a considerable sum for me. It’s a win-win situation,” he added.
The German international has made over 150 appearances for Atalanta having joined from Dutch top-flight side Heracles Almelo in 2017.
Newcastle may have missed out on Gosens, but they spent in excess of £90m.
Kieran Trippier, Chris Wood, Bruno Guimaraes and Dan Burn all arrived, while Matt Targett signed for the club on loan from Aston Villa.
READ MORE: Lille chief Olivier Letang hints Sven Botman summer transfer has been agreed
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