When Rafa Benitez helped Newcastle United return to the Premier League two seasons ago, he was promised funds to make the team competitive. Unfortunately, owner Mike Ashley’s words mean very little, something Benitez found out first hand, as his team jumped up and down the middle of the table throughout a frustrating season for him and fans alike. The players he had were satisfactory, but he wanted more in order to take this team to the next level.
Rafa Benitez needs, Mike Ashley nods, Newcastle United suffers
While Rafa Benitez has tried to put last season’s disagreements in the rearview mirror, it hasn’t been easy, as the story is repeating itself this off-season. The Spanish coach is still asking for investments and even though he has the full backing of the supporters, Mike Ashley is simply nodding his head and moving on. It wasn’t until Aleksandar Mitrovic was sold to Fulham that money was spent. It means Newcastle United’s owner doesn’t want to invest his own sources, so the only way for Benitez to gain some wiggle room in the transfer market is to sell first. Yoshinori Muto was signed to replace Mitrovic, while Dwight Gayle was swapped with Salomon Rondon.
Mikel Merino (€7 million), who spent last season on loan at St. James’ Park, Fabian Schar (€4 million) and Ki Sung-Yong (free transfer) are the only other players acquired by the club. Andros Townsend is a player Rafa Benitez has been chasing all summer, but the 27-year-old is determined to stay in Crystal Palace, where he enjoyed a fruitful 2017/18 season.
Newcastle United 2018/19 season outlook
Unless something changes drastically by the time Thursday’s Premier League transfer deadline dawns upon us, Magpies fans, who are one of the most dedicated fans in the country, will be forced to watch as Rafa Benitez tumbles his way through another average campaign.
Newcastle United subpar pre-season
The pre-season confirms that notion, as Newcastle beat St. Patricks in their first match, only to fail to record a victory in the next four against Hull, Porto, Braga and Augsburg. The 4-0 loss to Braga was especially painful. To start the new 2018/19 season, The Magpies have a home date with Tottenham Hotspur on August 11 at the lunchtime kick-off time (13:30 CET).
