Rafa Benitez has openly admitted to being frustrated with Newcastle United’s lack of transfer activity this summer.
Newcastle’s return to the Premier League may not have been a positive one as Tottenham ran out 2-0 winners at St James’ Park – but the game arguably proved a point that could be extremely important during the remaining weeks of the transfer window.
In comments recently reported by the Daily Mail, Rafa Benitez admitted being frustrated by the Magpies’ lack of action in the transfer market, and the Chronicle reported in June that there had even been speculation that the Spaniard may be considering his future.
It is hardly surprising that Benitez has been frustrated with Newcastle’s lack of business – but perhaps the opening day defeat to Tottenham could prove to be the catalyst for more deals being done.
Not only will Benitez be hoping that the defeat convinces the club’s hierarchy that they need more quality if they hope to maintain their top flight status during the coming campaign, but a number of the players who did do particularly well during the contest appear to have had one thing in common.
Christian Atsu, Mikel Merino and Javier Manquillo all received plenty of praise from the supporters for their displays in the defeat – and they have all been added to the squad during this window, with Atsu arriving on a permanent basis after last season’s loan.
Their promising performances should help convince the Newcastle hierarchy that the targets that Benitez now wants will improve the squad, and thus, they should be less afraid to go after them even if they look set to command significant fees.
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