Newcastle United have struggled in the Premier League so far this season and were in dire need to make some quality additions in the January transfer window. However, the failure to bring in a marquee signing has led to Benitez being left with his current crop of players to try and conjure up a run of good results which will keep the Magpies in the top tier of English football.
The Tyneside outfit are currently in 16th place in the Premier League table with a tally of 25 points in 26 league matches. Rafael Benitez’s team finds themselves a point above the relegation zone and are in real danger of suffering the agony of being relegated to the English Championship at the end of the campaign. The Magpies need to pick up some crucial victories in the coming weeks to try and avoid getting themselves involved in a relegation dogfight going into the final stretch of the season.
With their failure to make a big name signing in January, only time will tell whether it will come back to haunt them. However, for now, the club can look to tie some of their better players up on a long-term contract. Let’s take a look at three players whom the Magpies should offer new deals in an effort to keep them at the club for the next few years.
Ayoze Perez
The 24-year-old has been one of Newcastle United’s better players in recent matches. The Spaniard has shown in the past that he can make a difference up top for the Magpies. However, he has not been consistent enough to earn a regular starting berth under Rafael Benitez this season. Perez has featured in 25 matches for the Tyneside club, scoring 4 goals and providing 2 assists in all competitions. It’s high time that the club offered him a new and improved deal before he gets snapped up by one of their rivals.
Javier Manquillo
The 23-year-old has been one of the most consistent players for the Magpies this term. He has been solid as a makeshift left-back and has done well when called upon. The Spaniard has made 21 appearances for the club across all competitions this season. Benitez should look to secure his long-term future by handing him a new deal to extend his stay at Tyneside.
Karl Darlow
The 27-year-old English keeper has proven himself at the top tier of English football recently. He started the season playing second fiddle to Rob Elliot but has done well, since getting his chance in Benitez’ first-team, so much so, that Darlow has retained his place of late and can be considered as the club’s number 1 goalkeeper. It would be beneficial for both the club and the player if he can pen a new deal at the club to secure his long-term future with the Magpies.
