Elia Won't Be Coming To Newcastle

Recent days have brought reports that Newcastle United is interested in taking Dutch winger Eljero Elia on loan from Juventus.

These reports seem to be based on two things: Newcastle's late summer interest in Elia (which seems to have been genuine) and his limited playing time since moving to Turin (just two Serie A appearances).

But don't bet on Elia rethinking his August decision and coming to Tyneside, at least in the final six days of January. First off, today's report in Tuttosport cites the Daily Mail, which appears to have started all of this. It also notes the FIFA rule that prevents a player from playing official matches for more than two clubs during one season (although he could be registered with three clubs during a season).

Since Elia has already played official matches for Hamburg and Juventus this season, we can go ahead and put this rumor out of its misery before it gains any traction.

Comments

[Fozz]

He could sign and play for Newcastle. HE isn't getting games at Juve therefore he would be able to use that as a feasible excuse to be allowed to bend those rules. The rules were put in place to stop clubs buying players then selling them on at a higher price not to stop them loaning them out. So. Nothing much in this report then.

[Tom]

I don't know that you can get around the rule just because you aren't getting enough playing time at your club ...

[M]

Rules are rules, and this rule means Elia can't play for another professional football club this season. Simple

Good work finding the tuttosport link Tom