Rafa Benitez struggled to bring in the amount of players he wanted to at Newcastle in the summer.
It was clear to all football fans that Rafa Benitez cut a frustrated figure on Tyneside during the summer, as he was thwarted by Newcastle’s lack of cash to bring in the players he needed and still needs at St. James’ Park.
Owner Mike Ashley prevented him from completing such deals as he allowed the Spaniard to only spend the money the club generated, and without a takeover, it could be a similar story in January. Here, we rank Newcastle’s six summer recruits.
6 – Joselu
Just three goals for the Spaniard is simply not enough, as he was signed from Stoke City as the man to fire the Toon to safety. The fact a new striker is a priority for Benitez in January shows just how poor Joselu has been.
5 – Jacob Murphy
At more than £10million, Murphy has struggled to adapt to the rigours of the Premier League as Benitex continually overlooks the former Norwich City man for the likes of Christian Atsu and Matt Ritchie. His only saving grace is that at 22 years of age, he has time on his side.
4 – Javier Manquillo
An interesting signing from the outset after failed spells with Liverpool and Sunderland, Manquillo has been a regular but hardly caught the eye of the St. James’ Park faithful. Likely to be dropped when Paul Dummett returns to fitness.
3 – Florian Lejeune
Slightly unlucky, French defender Lejeune has suffered injuries which have hampered the 26-year-old’s progress up north. Still, he must show what he cost the Toon around £7.8million in the summer, as he is yet to do so.
2 – Christian Atsu
A permanent signing from Chelsea, Ghana international Atsu has not been particularly prolific or creative but his speed and skill have got Newcastle up the pitch when needed. If he can add goals to his game, he will prove to be a good signing.
1 – Mikel Merino
Without doubt, Newcastle’s best summer signing. A loan deal has already turned permanent from Borussia Dortmund, as the young midfielder provides the heartbeat to Benitez’s fight against relegation. He holds the future of the club in his hands.
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