Rafael Benitez’s future at Newcastle United could hinge upon the date of 9 August, according to the Chronicle.
The regional newspaper claim Benitez has yet to agree a contract extension with the club and is “under no pressure” to do so after outlining his stance to managing director Lee Charnley at the end of last season over the need for new signings.
The Chronicle report the bombhsell that Benitez could even wait a further two months until transfer deadline day on 9 August before assessing his future, “because by that time it will be abundantly clear to see if the club are reading off the same page” as him.
OPINION
Given the alarming lack of progress on Newcastle transfers, it will fill supporters with dread that Benitez could keep the club hanging until the start of the new season before deciding on whether to extend his contract beyond next June. This is the bombshell no Toon follower wanted to hear. There will no blame attached to the hallowed Spaniard, with fans well aware how lucky they have been to have such a top-class manager over the last two-and-a-half years. As usual, owner Mike Ashley is prevaricating and pulling the strings from the sidelines on an ultra-cautious approach to the transfer market. Will he ever change? Unlikely? Does he realise how the club are on to a good thing with Rafa? Probably. But that does not mean the Sports Direct tycoon granting the 58-year-old’s every wish, or bowing to his every whim. That won’t ever happen. Newcastle fans know it and resent him for it, but there seems no quick and easy solution to the latest self-enforced mess.
