Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has confirmed that he has held talks with Lee Charnley as he breaks the silence over his future at the club.
With a contract that runs out at the end of the season there has been much speculation over whether the Spanish boss will put pen to paper on a new deal or walk away from St James’ Park after his three years in charge.
Having previously refused to comment or lift any sort of lid on the status of his future, Benitez has now confirmed, via journalist Lee Ryder, that he has talked with club chief Lee Charnley in initial discussions but that it is too early to determine what will happen.
Rafa on contract talks: “I have had some contact with Lee Charnley but at the moment it is too early.” #nufc
— Lee Ryder (@lee_ryder) March 29, 2019
Opinion
This might not be the definitive answer that all Newcastle United fans were hoping for when it comes to their manager’s future but it does at least give them a hint that work is being done to get him to commit to a long term deal at the club. He is perhaps their most important asset, having worked miracles to all but seal another season of Premier League football with a squad containing many of the players who were promoted two years ago, and so keeping him on board is an absolute must. It still seems to be early days and there will likely not be too much movement in discussions before their safety in the top flight is mathematically secured but this is still a positive sign for the Toon Army. All they can hope is that Charnley and owner Mike Ashley are willing to give the former Liverpool and Real Madrid boss anything and everything he wants to remain at St James’ Park for the foreseeable future.
