OPINION
It seems as though Rafa Benitez might be leaving Newcastle United in the summer, with a move to France looking as though it is on the cards.
According to a new report by L’Equipe, Benitez has engaged with a Lyon-based agency and is interested in taking a job in Ligue 1.
The Spanish manager’s deal at St James’ Park expires in the summer and with just weeks left until the season ends, there is yet to be a significant sign that he will agree new terms.
And now it seems like Benitez has his eye on leaving Tyneside for good and heading over the English Channel to join a club in France’s top-flight.
Interestingly, the agency he has engaged with is based in Lyon, and Lyon are likely to find themselves without a manager once the season is over.
According to French news outlet RMC Sport, Genesio is heading towards leaving the Ligue 1 club and Newcastle have shown an interest in hiring him to replace Benitez amid doubts about the Spaniard’s future.
Could Benitez and Genesio end up swapping clubs in the summer? Or is this just someone connecting the dots in France?
Either way, Newcastle’s entire fanbase will surely be tearing their hair out over the idea of Benitez leaving in the summer.
The former Liverpool and Real Madrid boss has done an outstanding job at St James’ Park, ensuring Premier League survival in back-to-back seasons despite possession a squad that many would say is at the level of a top-end Championship side.
Replacing him is going to be a ridiculously tough task and Mike Ashley may pay for his persistent underspending during Rafa’s reign.
