The Times’ George Caulkin has taken to Twitter to provide a Rafa Benitez-related update amid stories surfacing of late that the Spaniard could leave Newcastle United.
Benitez has admitted he’s frustrated at the lack of progress made on the transfer front this summer, with the Magpies having only added five players to their squad since winning the Championship.
He was reported to have been heading for showdown talks with top brass on Tyneside, though Caulkin’s update hints at a far more measured feeling at the club, albeit not an overly positive one.
Sometimes you have to read between the lines when Rafa Benitez speaks. Not today. He's getting on with it, but his frustration is clear.
— George Caulkin (@CaulkinTheTimes) August 9, 2017
Firstly, he urged fans to read between the lines in regards to his recent comments, then revealing the former Liverpool and Real Madrid coach CAN’T quit the Toon Army due to the terms of his contract.
The concern shouldn't be that he's on the verge of quitting. He's not (& can't). But consecutive windows (so far) have been deflating.
— George Caulkin (@CaulkinTheTimes) August 9, 2017
Now, to be fair, Caulkin also reveals the 57-year-old ISN’T about to quit the club, though did further explain the details of as to why he wouldn’t be able to do so anyway.
Clubs would reportedly have to pay the Toon Army compensation due to terms of his contract.
He 'can't' quit because under terms of his contract clubs would have to pay NUFC hefty compensation whether he was still employed or not.
— George Caulkin (@CaulkinTheTimes) August 9, 2017
Still, surely Rafa has his limits.
It’s been a miserable few days for Newcastle United fans ahead of their return to the Premier League, though hopefully a positive result this weekend could help matters.
Thoughts?