There is a smart way that Newcastle United and Rafa Benitez can compete for transfers with the Premier League’s best this summer.
Mike Ashley’s relatively cautious approach to ownership has held Newcastle United back for years, while fans watch arguably smaller clubs climb the table and compete for places. There might be a way to change that, however.
Recent reports suggest a growing interest among the big clubs for Championship talents, such as Liverpool’s reported pursuit of James Maddison and Chelsea targeting Adama Traore according to the Mirror.
That is a trend that Newcastle can exploit, given they do possess a few ‘pull’ factors.
The Magpies are a big name club with a huge stadium that can guarantee playing time where the top six cannot – all things likely to catch the eye of any Championship player. They also have a manager who has just taken a squad of Championship players and comfortably achieved safety in the Premier League.
That is all the proof needed that Newcastle is a team second-tier players can make the step up in. After all Benitez, a La Liga and Champions League winner, is unique in being a successful coach who has gone on to prove he can work with players outside of the elite in more recent times.
So why don’t the Magpies try they hand at Maddison, Traore or even a player like Harry Wilson, currently on loan at Hull City from Liverpool, who will be desperate to get Premier League football next year?
Why not be the first port of call for these players when Newcastle can compete financially and offer progress like other teams cannot?
A huge club, passionate fans and a manager unlike anything they will have ever worked with before, if the Championship’s top talent is looking to progress to the top flight, Newcastle could be the ideal next step.
In so doing, players could find their feet in the top flight and Newcastle could ultimately benefit by moving further up the table with an impressive team for the future.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
