Sky Sports pundit Phil Thompson has suggested that keeping hold of manager Rafa Benitez is the best thing the Magpies could do this summer.
Benitez’s future remains unclear, with the Spaniard thought to be wanting assurances over Newcastle’s transfer policy, but the 59-year-old has been engaging with talks with owner Mike Ashley on Thursday, and those talks are expected to carry on into the weekend, according to the Chronicle.
Thompson has suggested that Newcastle’s main priority this summer should be ensuring they are able to keep hold of Benitez ahead of next season.
“Newcastle is a conundrum. I think they need to tie Rafael Benitez down. The things he has done at Newcastle have been totally phenomenal. Sometimes he gives the hint he is staying and sometimes he gives the hint he is leaving,” Thompson told Sky Sports.
“If they could in any way, shape or form keep this manager, it would be great. He is the biggest signing they could make this summer.”
OPINION
Thompson is right to point out the importance of keeping hold of Benitez for Newcastle, with the Spaniard’s future still in doubt despite engaging in more talks with Ashley over his future. The Sky Sports pundit is also correct in his assessment that Benitez has done an excellent job at St James’ Park in managing to stabilise the club after relegation from the Premier League, and then manage to get Newcastle to consecutive mid-table finishes following promotion in his first full season in charge. It will be crucial for the Magpies that they are able to keep hold of Benitez, so the Spaniard can continue to take the club forward, but if they fail to give him the assurances he is wanting then Newcastle could be in for a very uncertain season next term. Securing the future of Benitez is probably the most important piece of business the club could do this summer, but they will still need to address other areas that need attention whatever happens. There will need to replacements found for Isaac Hayden who looks set to depart the club and Salomon Rondon if Newcastle can not secure a permanent deal for the forward. This is going to be a very interesting summer at St James’ Park and the club’s board need to ensure they get the right outcome for the club.
