Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez has admitted that the club will need to smash their transfer record in search of a prolific striker this summer.
The Magpies’ record signing is still Michael Owen, who they signed for £16.5million from Real Madrid in 2005, and Benitez has now claimed they will look to break that record 13 years on.
The club’s top scorer in the league this season is Ayoze Perez with six, and with that being the lowest top scorer for any top-flight club, Benitez will make a prolific striker a primary summer target.
As quoted by the Chronicle, he said: “If you want to bring a striker with a guarantee of more than 10-15 goals per season, you have to pay money for him for sure.”
Benitez was then asked if that meant spending more than their £16.5million record, and replied: “In this market, yes.”
OPINION
While it is in many ways impressive that Newcastle have somehow managed to not break their transfer record since 2005, it could be looked upon as a reason why the club have endured two relegations in the period since. Owner Mike Ashley is notoriously frugal, and his refusal to splash the cash unfortunately does not add up in this day and age. With the riches that the Premier League brings to every single club in the division, there is no excuse for not spending money, and clubs who do not usually pay the price. £16.5million is a relatively modest price tag in the current market, and if Newcastle do not break that record this summer then they will most likely find themselves in another relegation battle next season. Benitez is an incredible manager but he can only do so much if afforded so few resources. A striker is their priority, and spending more money should see them get the quality they need up front.
