Newcastle United confirmed the exit of Travis Hernes after the window closed and it looks like the 19-year-old's time could be up at St James' Park
Travis Hernes of Newcastle United
Travis Hernes of Newcastle United(Image: Getty Images)
Newcastle United have agreed an out of window sale for a youngster once tipped for first-team stardom on Tyneside.
After sanctioning the loan exit of 6ft 2in Norway youth international Travis Hernes, the Magpies also signed up to a purchase option which will allow Dutch side Groningen to make the deal permanent, something that emerged in a hidden clause buried in the Eredivisie's press release.
The news of a potential cash sale for Hernes may come as a surprise to some Newcastle fans after his arrival as a 17-year-old was hailed as something of a steal with other Premier League clubs lurking when he signed for a cash deal from Shrewsbury Town.
But 19-year-old midfielder Hernes could leave United without making a competitive appearance under Eddie Howe as he prepares for a new chapter at the club that finished 13th in Holland last term.
Hernes did play in 2024's end of season tour to Australia with the seniors and featured in pre-season this year in the Far East.
A statement from Groningen read: "The deal included a purchase option in the loan agreement to permanently acquire the youth international after the season."
Hernes spent last season on loan at Aalborg BK where he played 12 matches but also ended up breaking a curfew and had to apologise for a nightclub visit when breaking rules at the Danish club.
Hernes said: "As soon as I landed and realised I was finally a Groningen player I was over the moon.
"This is a place I wanted to be for a while now. It is such a big club.
"I am really happy to be playing again. I am a player who is good on the ball and not scared to take risks."
A Newcastle statement had read: "Travis Hernes has joined Dutch side FC Groningen on loan for the 2025/26 season.
"Hernes has been a regular fixture for the under-21s so far this term and will now head to the Eredivisie to join a Groningen side currently sitting eighth in the table. Everyone at the club wishes Travis well for his time on loan in the Netherlands."
Speaking about Hernes in pre-season, Howe had told Chronicle Live: "Every player that steps on to the pitch has that opportunity. Travis Hernes is another who came on against Spurs - and I was really pleased with him.
"You are looking for somebody to grab their opportunity and force their way into the squad."
However, Hernes is now just one good season away with the Dutch side to brining the curtain down on his Newcastle career.
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