It was his first public appearance of the season but could be his last ... as Alan Pardew tries to sell him in the current transfer window.
He beat three defenders before slotting home Newcastle’s fourth goal of the afternoon at Whitley Park.
Having fallen two goals behind in the early stages of the game, the Magpies’ second string were level at the interval thanks to goals from Adam Armstrong and Sammy Ameobi.
Alan Pardew was watching from the stands.
Armstrong fired Newcastle ahead before Ben Arfa produced a burst of brilliance to carve the Reading defence apart.
Armstrong completed his hat-trick when he raced clear of the Royals’ defence, but all eyes were on Ben Arfa.
It is not known if any Premier League scouts were present.
Newcastle: Alnwick; Olley, Satka, Williams, Gillesphey; Bigirimana, Barlaser, Ben Arfa, Vuckic, Ameobi; Armstrong.