Rafael Benitez has done a terrific job with this current Newcastle United side as he has taken them to safety comfortably despite having so many budget restrictions. They are currently in the top half of the table and Benitez must be eyeing new recruitment this summer to improve the squad.
However, Benitez has often been left red-faced by the owner Mike Ashley who has been reluctant to hand him a good transfer budget. However, it seems like that the Spanish tactician might have had enough as he has indicated that it’s time to break their all-time transfer record which is at just £16.8m. They used that amount to bring in Michael Owen in 2005 and it is mind-boggling that in this day and age they haven’t surpassed their record yet. Benitez realises that to mount up a better challenge next year and to fight for some sort of European spot, they will have to spend some good money in the transfer market.
In an interview, he said,”If you want to bring in a striker with a guarantee of more than ten or 15 goals a season, then you have to pay money for him, for sure, More than £16m? In this market, yes.”
If Benitez doesn’t get the requisite fund then there are reports that he might walk out of the club and that would be a disaster for them as under Benitez this average Magpies side has certainly punched above their weight.
But in a situation where he is given an opportunity to sign some players, we look at three viable options which he should go for to improve his team.
Martin Dubravka
The big Slovakian keeper has been part of the Tyneside club since January and has impressed in his loan spell between the sticks. One of the reasons for Newcastle’s good form since the turn of the year was his inspired performance at the back. Benitez should definitely try to snap him up on a permanent basis to bolster his squad.
Jay Rodriguez
The Toons have struggled with their scoring options as their highest scorer this season has been Ayoze Perez who has managed just six goals. No team in the Premier League has a leading scorer with fewer goals to his name. So it is evident that Benitez is in need of a striker in the summer. Rodriguez can be available on a cut-price deal, as his team West Brom have been relegated and the Englishman can solve some of their attacking woes.
Xherdan Shaqiri
Shaqiri has waged a lone war this term for the Potters as his side are currently at the bottom of the Premier League and are relegated to the second division. Newcastle United are in need of some creative players who can provide that spark and lift the team with his inspired performances. Shaqiri could just be the right man to do that for Rafael Benitez.
