New update in Newcastle-Benitez contract talks

A new update from Tyneside has revealed what is holding up an agreement between Newcastle United and Rafa Benitez.

According to a new report from the Chronicle, Newcastle United and Rafa Benitez are currently in a “standoff” situation. The major dilemma in the ongoing contract negotiations is centered around the disparity in how to handle incoming transfers. Mike Ashley is determined to purchase young players with good re-sale value, but Benitez does not want a team comprised of youngsters with potential.

The Spaniard has no problem welcoming top talent under the age of 26,  but he does not want the club to obstruct moves for older players. Benitez has repeatedly used Martin Dubravka (30) and Salomon Rondon (29) as primary examples of successful veterans at the club.

In addition to disagreeing on Ashley’s age policy for incoming transfers, Benitez reportedly wants to have the final say on all incoming transfers in the future. It is normal for a manager to be active in scouting and recruiting prospective players, but having the final say would be very difficult for Benitez at Newcastle.

The Need For Compromise

While it is fair to say that Ashley’s lack of spending and stubborn policies have limited Benitez’s ability to reach new heights with the club, one must also be skeptical of the idea of a manager making final decisions on all transfers. Benitez is a brilliant tactician and he knows what types of players would fit his system, however, the Spaniard must also remember that he has a talented scouting team led by Steve Nickson. The best example of Nickson’s scouting abilities are how he found Martin Dubravka in the Czech Republic and Miguel Almiron in the United States. Both of these players have had significant impacts on both ends of the pitch for Newcastle.

We as supporters of the club can only hope that Ashley and Benitez strike a compromise over the next few weeks. Everyone knows that the potential for top eight success is there and Lee Charnley announced that the club’s new transfer policy aims to improve the competitive nature of Newcastle with two or three quality signings every summer.

The final outcome remains to be seen, but Newcastle and Benitez need to find a compromise quickly. The longer these contract negotiations last, the more complicated Newcastle’s summer transfer window will become.