OPINION
Newcastle United’s reluctance to sanction big money deals for older players is effectively tying Rafa Benitez’s hands when it comes to welcoming new signings this summer.
The Chronicle reported on Saturday that the Magpies’ hierarchy were yet to sanction a £16.5million deal for West Bromwich Albion forward Salomon Rondon due to having concerns about his age.
The 6ft 1in tall forward (Transfermarkt) isn’t a young up and comer that is for sure but at the age of 28-years-old he is hardly plotting his retirement at this stage either.
While it makes sense for a club to limit their outlay on ageing players if the Magpies consider 28-years-old too high an age to invest £16.5million in then their options are going to be few and far between when it comes to finding new players this summer.
The newspaper’s report states that one of Benitez’s requests while in talks over a new deal has seen him ask for full authority in regards to transfers, as it would allow him to sanction big money moves for ageing players.
It’s highly unlikely that the managerial genius wants to splash huge amount cash on players the wrong side of 30, it’s more likely the Magpies’ current criteria regarding the age of new signings is too strict.
If Rondon is being flagged as a doubt then there is a problem with the criteria being outlined by the club.
Also given the crazy money flying around the current transfer window, for example Everton are thought to be willing to pay £50million for Watford’s Richarlison (Source: BBC), should a £16.5million spend even be considered a huge outlay for a Premier League team?
The Magpies may be smashing their transfer record to sign Rondon if they pay that amount but that isn’t saying lot when comparing the outlay to what other clubs are willing to spend.
Benitez is already having his options limited in the transfer market due to the Magpies not being big spenders like their Premier League rivals so by having additional criteria such as age that restricts deals then they might as well tie his hands behind his back when looking for ways to improve his team.
If the Magpies are only going to spend a little then the least the club can do is sanction moves for so-called older players as their age will perhaps lower their price and make a deal reasonable.
The Spanish manager has also previously moaned about his side’s lack of Premier League experience, as reported by the Chronicle, and for him to get experienced players through the door then they going to have to be over a certain age.
Therefore until the Magpies lose this weird criteria in place for signings then they’re going to continue to find players to sign this summer.
