As the Premier League season comes to a close Rafa Benitez is yet to have agreed a new contract with Newcastle United.
Benitez has made it clear that he wants to stay on as Magpies manager, as covered by the Telegraph, but there is yet to be a official confirmation that terms have been agreed.
Telegraph journalist Luke Edwards has shared his own theory as to why Benitez is yet to put pen to paper on a new deal even though club are in talks with him, as reported by the Chronicle, about a new contract.
Speaking to the Chronicle, Edwards explained: “Lee Charnley is sort of paralysed a little bit,
“He’s been told to keep Rafa, he’s told Rafa they want to keep him, but he’s still waiting for the green light from the people above him.”
“Mike Ashley has been slightly distracted by other business developments,
“I just wonder whether they’re still waiting for that green flag from the owner to say ‘go ahead and do it'”
OPINION
It’s clear to see that Rafa Benitez is a beloved figure at Newcastle, and has been for a number of years now. However, as he still has not been offered a new contract at the club, it does create a sense of uncertainty, especially as the season draws to a close. All in all, it seems that eventually, the contract will be offered, as for it not to be offered would be a huge surprise at this stage. As the Managing Director of Newcastle United, there is lots of things that Lee Charnley can do, however offering new contracts off of his own back is not one of them. It seems like once the ‘green light’ has been given by Mike Ashley to offer Rafa the new contract, it will just happen. If that is the case, the Newcastle faithful will surely be delighted to have acquired the services of Benitez again for another few years.
