OPINION
Everything is up in the air right now at Newcastle United – from who will be taking charge of the club come the start of the Premier League season, to who will be the owners.
Rafael Benitez’s contract runs out at the end of June and despite positive meetings with the board, no decision has been finalised yet with the Spaniard considering his options. It has also been suggested that any potential transfer business, in or out, has to be agreed to by the former Liverpool boss before being confirmed.
The defence is a key area that needs reinforcements this summer, with a back five the most likely formation should Benitez decide to stay at the club. With Matt Ritchie filling in at left wing-back for the majority of last season, that is an area that could do with some real strengthening.
Newcastle were reported by the Sun to have held an interest in Young Boys defender Loris Benito, who has become available on a free this summer. The Chronicle were quick to put an end to those rumours, suggesting the Magpies hold no interest in the Swiss international – a decision they could later come to regret.
Benito would offer Benitez a physical presence in defence as well as an attacking threat down the left-hand side throughout matches. As well as making 3.7 clearances on average a game, the Swiss international also makes a pass almost every two minutes of a match, with 43.5 passes per game. [WhoScored]
The left-back position has been an area of weakness for the past couple of seasons at St James’ Park, and the loan signing of Monaco defender Antonio Barreca didn’t help the situation. The Italian only made one appearance a the club under Benitez and left the club with limited options throughout the campaign.
Paul Dummett started the season as first choice left-back at the club, but Benito would offer so much more in an attacking sense than the Welsh international. Dummett offered little to no forward threat as a full-back and only averaged 0.1 dribbles per game in the league [WhoScored]. The 27-year-old proved he was more useful as a central defender, as he made the position his own towards the end of the season.
Newcastle need defensive recruitments this summer, and Benito would be the perfect full-back to come in and make a difference.
Considering he wouldn’t cost the club a penny, it would sum up Mike Ashley’s reign perfectly if it is the last thing he is to do at the club.
