Transfer sticking point reportedly causing Rafa Benitez to consider Newcastle exit

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The former Valencia and Liverpool manager is supposedly very upset with how transfer negotiations are going so far.

Newcastle United’s summer has taken a rather substantial turn in the wrong direction after it emerged that Rafael Benitez is serious with his threat of resigning from his post as manager following a dispute over transfer dealings, as reported by The Sun.

The former Chelsea, Liverpool and Inter Milan boss steered Newcastle to the Championship title after staying with the Magpies following their Premier League relegation in 2016, but fears now that the same result could happen again unless signings are made.

Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez

So far, Newcastle have signed only one player in Christian Atsu, but have missed out on a number of their transfer targets including Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham, as reported by the Telegraph, and Fulham midfield maestro Tom Cairney, as reported by the Express.

Defender Florian Lejeune is supposedly close to signing for the Magpies in a £8.7m move from Eibar, as also reported by the Sun, but Benitez is angry over a lack of progress and a change in transfer policy at St James’ Park, which could have disastrous consequences ahead of the new season.

The initial Sun report claims that while the Magpies used to pay up front with their fees, they’re now looking to spread deals out over instalments, and this could be something that is hampering the club in their quest to bring in new players.

Expectations are high at Newcastle, with many expecting the Magpies to re-establish themselves as a top 10 Premier League side, but if this window is a disaster and the club lose Benitez, it’s highly possible that they could be returning to the Championship as quickly as they got promoted from it.

Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez