Rafa Benitez has constantly been used and ignored by Mike Ashley since becoming manager, but could the arrival of Miguel Almiron convince the Spaniard to stay on Tyneside?
Rafa Benitez would be a smart man to walk away from Newcastle United in mid-May after being handed limited resources in multiple transfer windows and for being the recipient of innumerable false promises. The Spaniard has often stated that his aim is to transform Newcastle into a competitive side that knocks on the door of the top six. Instead, Mike Ashley’s mentality to use the club as a savings account for his other business ventures has kept the Magpies in the Premier League’s basement.
Despite all this tension, Ashley finally decided to break the bank by spending £21million to bring in MLS star, Miguel Almiron. Can Almiron’s arrival convince Benitez to sign a contract extension before the conclusion of the 2018/19 campaign? Moreover, can the Toon Army also work its magic to keep the Spaniard on the sidelines of St. James’ Park?
Can Almiron Keep Rafa at Newcastle?
Just when everyone at the club and around the Premier League thought this deal was dead in the water, Miguel Almiron ended up coming to Newcastle United, and he snubbed Tottenham, Arsenal, Napoli and Real Betis in the process. Benitez has expressed his admiration for the Paraguayan international midfielder and gave the club an ultimatum that he would walk away if Almiron’s transfer fell through.
Well, Benitez got his wish and Almiron has officially joined the Magpies for a club-record fee. The former MLS star is expected to have an immediate impact in the number ten role to show that he is worth every penny that was spent from Ashley’s pocket. However, can the arrival of one player convince a Champions League-winning manager to stay on board?
No one can say for certain, but my guess would be that his signing was a big step in the right direction. Benitez will definitely sit down with Lee Charnley and Ashley to discuss the terms of a new contract. The Spaniard does not want to give up on the club and the arrival of a quality player like Almiron will only make it easier for his team to climb the table.
Toon Army
As a writer, I do my very best to remain neutral, but even those who do not support Newcastle admit that they are some of the most loyal and passionate fans in England and in Europe. Benitez has a strong and unique relationship with the Toon Army, one that many outsiders fail to comprehend.
The fans know that he is an experienced tactician who can properly utilize Newcastle’s full potential to become a strong squad in the Premier League. These same supporters convinced Benitez to stay on board as manager when Newcastle fell to the Championship and they are capable of convincing him to stay. The Toon Army has earned the respect of the Spaniard and he will surely take their fervent support into consideration this summer.