La Liga outfit Real Sociedad are trying to lure Rafael Benitez away from the Premier League and Newcastle United – could Rulli be La Real’s trump card?
Rafa Benitez has really wanted to bring Argentine goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli to Newcastle United.
The Magpies were linked with the Real Sociedad stopper last summer and The Sun claimed in March that they were still keen on the 25-year-old, with Benitez sending scouts to watch him live in La Liga over the last few months.
But with his price-tag set at £15 million, it seems somewhat unlikely that Benitez will be allowed to bring Rulli to St James’ Park – so long as owner Mike Ashley keeps the purse strings tight that is.
Though maybe there is a way the former Valencia and Real Madrid boss can work with a goalkeeper he greatly admirers. That, however, would mean upping sticks and leaving Newcastle at the end of this season.
The Mirror claimed on Wednesday that Sociedad are hoping to lure Benitez back to Spain this summer after a difficult season in La Liga. The Basque side are currently 15th and recently dispensed with former Barcelona B team coach Eusebio Sacristan.
Though Benitez has remained admirably and perhaps surprisingly committed to Newcastle, this could put his allegiances to the test. After all, there appears to be a glass ceiling to his success on Tyneside if Ashley, who appears unwilling to back his manager in the transfer market, remains at the helm.
And, in truth, leaving Newcastle for Sociedad could perhaps represent the best chance Benitez has of joining forces with Rulli any time soon.
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