Rafa Benitez knows his way around building a world-class squad. But he also knows it’s not just him crafting something beautiful. Back at Anfield, the Spaniard worked with Frank McParland, who notoriously brought in Raheem Sterling and Jordan Ibe to Liverpool. Since then, Sterling has gone on to be transferred to Manchester City, and has just been named to England’s Euro 2016 squad.
Graham Carr has been speaking with club director Lee Charnley about potential transfer targets, and no news has been released about Benitez wanting Carr to part ways with the club. However, it is expected that Carr will retire this summer before finishing out his contract that would have him at the club until he is 75 years old, and Benitez wants someone he is comfortable working with and has complete trust in to help the youth academy at Newcastle United grow.
This is another step towards believing that Benitez has every intention on remaining with Newcastle United in the Championship, and the first step towards building a European ready squad is to have a youth academy and scouting regimen ready to take on that challenge.
More from Newcastle Toons
- AC Milan predicted lineup vs Newcastle United – UEFA Champion League 2023/24
- “What a player” Arsenal and Real Madrid stars hype up this Newcastle ace
- Newcastle United 1-0 Brentford: 3 Catalyst Players Who Were Key To The Result
- Newcastle United 1-0 Brentford: 3 things Eddie Howe learned from the match
- Newcastle player ratings vs Brentford: Harvey Barnes impresses
Graham Carr was notorious for bringing in players that had little staying power in the Premier League. His work at Tottenham was impressive, and his early work at Newcastle United helped them to finish fifth in the Premier League and qualify for Europa. But his persistence towards bringing in French players garnered criticism from many fans. However, the signing of Hatem Ben Arfa was top class, and the handling of the player’s time at Newcastle United was disastrous.
When a club is trying to shake things up, one of the first things to look at is where the talent is coming from. Benitez has a different vision moving forward, and he trusts McParland with the role of bringing in fresh talent to help a struggling club.
Next: Aleksandar Mitrovic needs to ease off the reds
What has been said behind closed doors is unknown to me and everyone else writing about the Frank McParland link. Benitez may see Carr as part of the problem, and if Newcastle United want him to stay, his demands are more important than ever.