OPINION
Former Premier League midfielder turned Sky Sports pundit Ray Parlour cheekily remarked that now Newcastle United were winning games they won’t be signing anybody in January.
While the 45-year-old, regularly seen on Sky shows such as The Debate, was making these remarks somewhat in jest, he did highlight the fact Rafa Benitez has a double-edged sword dangling over him.
“The problem now Geoff (Shreeves) is cause they’ve started winning, they won’t be signing anybody in January. I’m sure the Newcastle fans don’t want to hear that but…” said Parlour on Sky Sports’ The Debate (November 27, 45:34 on Acast).
The Spanish manager no doubt wants to win as many games as possible and see his side shoot up the Premier League table away from a potential relegation battle.
However Benitez will also not want to hand club owner Mike Ashley an excuse not to splash the cash to welcome the players needed to the club in January.
If the Magpies continuing racking up the points in the way they currently are then it’s fair to say that Ashley may be unwilling to sanction the necessary signings as he will point out Benitez is doing fine with his current resources.
Yet as the Sky pundit pointed out, Magpies fans won’t want to hear that as they know that their side’s current manager is currently working above expectations by seeing this team excel.
The Magpies still need a new full-back for either flank, as an injury to either Paul Dummett or DeAndre Yedlin would be costly as it stands, and need to bolster their firepower by recruiting at least a few attacking players.
This includes a new creative No.10 being brought to the club as well as hopefully a prolific forward to aid Salomon Rondon up front, or at the very least provide suitable cover for him.
Given that Benitez will want players who will definitely improve his current squad, not just make up numbers, that is sure to cost money that Ashley is likely keen on avoiding spending.
Chronicle journalist Chris Waugh detailed in September, via the newspaper’s website, that Ashley was still looking to sell the club and is just waiting for a suitable offer to be submitted.
It’s unlikely the owner will feel any urgency to spend the right amount in January unless the club are threatened by relegation, as that would affect its value, and if Benitez keeps winning this won’t be the case.
Therefore while Parlour was no doubt being cheeky with his remarks, he’s actually highlighted the double-edged sword that Spanish boss is having to contend with ahead of the January window opening.
