According to the Sun’s Charlie Wyett, Rafa Benitez could be in line for a shock return to Newcastle United should the Saudi Arabian-takeover be completed on Tyneside, potentially signalling the end for current boss Steve Bruce.
Benitez, who claimed he wanted to stay over the course of the summer but did not feel those above him shared his ambition, is understood to be a target of potential new owner Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s, who is said to have made it clear in writing he will target the Spaniard should he buy ownership from Mike Ashley.
While Bruce has done a reasonably good shop at steadying the ship since taking over, Benitez was a hugely popular figure amongst the club’s fanbase during his three-year stint, during which picked up 1.48 points per game – according to Transfermarkt. Indeed, such was his influence, the former Liverpool boss was compared to the likes of Kevin Keegan and Sir Bobby Robson and there were protests following his departure in the summer.
Still, after fan account @NUFC360 relayed the story on Twitter, it seems as if the idea of Benitez returning to St. James’ Park isn’t as popular as it may initially seem. In fact, sections of the support on social media are seemingly against it altogether, for a number of different reasons.
With that in mind, here’s a look at some of the reaction online.
https://twitter.com/mrcrh11/status/1221677514730475520
Rather have Steve at the moment. Imagine the man getting handed 100M to spend. Pure joy.
— Insidious Tremor (@Witchfinder23) January 27, 2020
No please
— Ginkoh_NUFC (@Ginkohro) January 27, 2020
https://twitter.com/brettsinsa1/status/1221689562679988224
Forget Rafa and get a younger and more modern manager
— ⚪alle⚫ (@ToonyAlex) January 27, 2020
Might get some pelters here, but hypothetically if we had trillionaire owners and 200m a year to spend im not sure Rafa would be my first choice.. that kind of money? Get Nagelsmann, Allegri or Pocchetino..
— HVH (@HoltzvonHoltzer) January 27, 2020
https://twitter.com/NotoriousShaneo/status/1221631824239087616
Would you want Benitez back at Newcastle? Join the discussion by commenting below…
