Rafael Benitez has led Newcastle United valiantly since taking charge in the North East but he’s become a frustrated figure in the first-half of the season, with the Magpies failing to significantly invest in the summer and continuing to restrict finances in January.
The Spaniard made it clear prior to the season that the squad was not up to the standard required to compete within the Premier League, a consensus he’s proven to be correct with due to Newcastle’s struggles this season.
Newcastle sit just two points above the relegation zone, heading into a crucial period of games, and the club are yet to sign a new face in January- despite Benitez making it clear exactly what he’s looking for this month.
Pressure is now increasing upon a Newcastle board who are desperate for Benitez to extend his stay, with his current deal due to expire at the end of next season, but the next week is set to be extremely significant for how discussions on a potential renewal will progress.
Benitez has made it clear he will not discuss new terms until after the mid-season transfer window has closed and Newcastle have some initial work to do before they sit down with their beloved boss, as he’s unlikely to agree fresh terms if his push for signings doesn’t result in incoming deals.
The former Real Madrid boss wants a new striker, a goalkeeper and a left-sided player this month but the only deal that is close is a loan agreement to sign Kenedy from Chelsea, with discussions for that deal having already rumbled on for weeks.
Brazilian Kenedy is unlikely to lead to miraculous improvements on his own and additional reinforcements are required and the long-term future of the club is at stake, despite the fact that any further deals are also likely to be on a temporary basis.
If Newcastle really want Benitez to stay, they have to prove their loyalty and intent in the next week. Otherwise, an agreement is extremely unlikely and the experienced boss may well walk at the end of the current campaign.
