
Ciaran Clark
This was a signing that I was very interested in. With loads of Premier League experience, Clark also suffered at the hands of relegation last season with Aston Villa. To lose him to Newcastle United almost seemed as if it was a statement.
Clark felt his chances of promotion were more likely than with the club he’s spent nearly his entire career with. I felt bad for Villa.
But Clark is a strong signing. He’s a good defender, and he has an eye for offense, which can help on forward runs. And at the age of 26, he’s quickly reaching the top of his game, and Benitez will want to hone his skill for the club’s return to the Premier League.
Clark wasn’t just a strong investment for the present, but it was a good look into the future as well.
Next: Mohamed Diame