Newcastle are one of three Premier League clubs eyeing a move to sign Dries Mertens on a free – a player Rafa Benitez was full of praise for back in 2013. Benitez managed Mertens while at Napoli.
Mertens, 35, is about to leave Napoli nine years after joining the club. A Napoli legend, he is the club’s all-time record goalscorer with 148 goals – above Diego Maradona. He has played 397 games for the club.
He still netted 11 times last season and remains an important part of Roberto Martinez’s Belgium side, with 104 caps to his name. So, plenty of miles left in the tank, and reports claim Leeds, Newcastle and Palace are all keen.
- Newcastle and Tottenham want Leeds star, but Elland Road is his best move
- Robin Koch an unsung hero at right-back in Leeds’ final games of 21/22
Back in 2013 while managing Mertens – after he joined Napoli from PSV – Benitez was full of praise for the attacker. Following a 2-1 away win over Marseille, Benitez raved about the work rate of the Belgian.
“It seems easy for me to choose a player like Dries Mertens when he works so hard in training,” Benitez told Sky Sport Italia – as per Sports Mole. Whether he still has that work rate at 35, remains to be seen.
Benitez praise as Newcastle eyeing Mertens
Mertens remains a player that can still do it in the biggest leagues. The question mark is, whether he would adapt to the Premier League at this late stage in his career. He probably has a year or two left at this level.
A move to Newcastle would be one met with adulation from Toon fans. Despite his age, Mertens is a huge name and would certainly excite the Toon faithful – even if he is only brought in on a deal for one or two years.
Benitez’s verdict on Mertens is proof of that. The ex-Toon manager is renowned for never giving specific praise to players in the press – so, to earn such a nice verdict from Benitez shows how good Mertens is.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
