According to the latest reports from the Chronicle, Rafael Benitez was approached by the likes of Marseille and AS Roma, but he respectfully declined those offers. The Spanish manager is keen to sign with Newcastle United, and this should come as a big boost for the Magpies. If anything goes haywire from here on, fans would also know that it wasn’t because Benitez didn’t want to continue his work at St. James’ Park.
What’s the update regarding negotiations?
Benitez and Newcastle are said to be in an intense negotiation. A contract is on the table for the former Champions League winning manager, but talks are still ongoing about the finer details. It is believed that it could take another week to come to a conclusive end to the negotiations.
Benitez has proposed for a new project with changes in Newcastle’s transfer policy. It remains to be seen whether Mike Ashley would agree to such demands from the Spanish manager. The club is at a crucial juncture right now as they are heading towards stability as they comfortably stayed in the Premier League in the last two seasons after winning the Championship.
It is clear that the Spanish manager wants to take this club to the next level, but he needs assurance from the board that he would be backed in the transfer market. It is tough for Newcastle United to challenge for the top half as clubs like Everton, Wolves and Leicester City have shown that they are willing to splash the big bucks to land their transfer targets.
Even clubs like Fulham and Brighton outspend Newcastle. It didn’t work for them, and that is a different matter. But they showed ambition. That is what is lacking for the Magpies.
Why Mike Ashley cannot let him leave?
However, that could be about to change as United broke their all-time transfer record to sign Miguel Almiron in January. It is imperative for the club now to keep a manager of Benitez’s calibre at the club. The fans and players have always sung praises about him throughout the season, and Mike Ashley would make himself look the fool if he isn’t able to accept the terms from Benitez.
United have played a conservative brand of football under Benitez in the last two campaigns, but with few tweaks and signings, they can change their style of play. This current update is a piece of very positive news for the Toon as Marseille and AS Roma are two heavyweight clubs in their division and not often one sees a manager willing to stay at a mid-level club even after his contract period has expired.
