Rafa Benitez should consider making a move to sign his former player for Newcastle United.
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez
Central defence is one area Rafael Benitez could be looking to bolster this summer. And the Spaniard must consider re-signing his former player, Raul Albiol.
According to reports from Spanish newspaper Marca, Valencia, Rafa’s former club, are planning to bring back their old player.
Los Che tried to sign Albiol last season, but were not willing to meet the €15 million (£13.18 million) transfer fee, demanded by Napoli.
Although Albiol has a contract till 2020, he will reach 32 in a few months’ time, and Napoli are looking to cash in on him. He would cost around €6 million (£5.2 million).
Napoli’s Raul Albiol
With Valencia dithering whether to meet the asking price, it presents a window of opportunity for Rafa to lure him away from Naples.
Albiol, a product of Valencia’s youth academy, was a key player for Rafa when he guided Los Che to the UEFA Cup triumph in 2003-04.
VfL Wolfsburg’s Kevin De Bruyne challenges Napoli’s Raul Albiol (L)
Rafa signed him for Napoli from Real Madrid in 2013, and the pair enjoyed a successful spell too, winning Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana.
Albiol, who made 51 appearances for the Spain national team, is a vastly experienced defender who would add depth and quality to the squad.
At just over £5 million, he would be a very good signing and certainly worth the gamble.
General view outside St James’ Park
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
