Newcastle United fans probably aren’t even thinking about what might happen in the summer just yet as the club’s battle for Premier League survival continues, but the coming transfer window could be an incredibly exciting one with Rafa Benitez at the helm.
First of all, the Spaniard has reportedly taken the Toon job on the proviso that he’ll be given free reign in the transfer market, so there won’t be another Ligue 1 haul arriving courtesy of chief scout Graham Carr and controversial owner Mike Ashley won’t be flogging the club’s top talents to the highest bidder.
But secondly and perhaps more importantly, Benitez is one of the best in the business who boasts vast connections throughout European football, having worked in La Liga, Serie A and of course, the Premier League, and that combination could grant Newcastle access to a level of the transfer market that has repeatedly evaded them in recent years.
With that in mind and the Magpies starting to move in the right direction following a draw to Sunderland on Sunday, here are FIVE transfer coups Benitez could secure for his club during the coming transfer window – providing they stay in the top flight.
Gabi
The inspiration for this list, Atletico Madrid captain Gabi was linked with a shock move to Newcastle United by Spanish outlet Marca last week.
The Spaniard doesn’t offer much longevity at the age of 32 but he’s supremely experienced, lifting a Europa League title, Copa del Rey and La Liga title with the Mattress Makers – captaining them to the latter two triumphs.
Gabi’s a hardworking midfielder who combines industriousness with consistency in possession, averaging 3 tackles, 2.1 interceptions and 62 successful passes per match this season, and rumour has it he wants a transfer to the Premier League before his career comes to a close.
With his contract set to enter its final twelve months, the coming transfer window represents Newcastle’s best chance of luring him away from Vincente Calderon and his disciplined style suits Benitez’s tactical approach.
SOFIANE FEGHOULI
Sofiane Feghouli looks set to leave Valencia upon the expiration of his contract this summer and a wealth of clubs have reportedly taken a look at the Algerian ace, not least including Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United.
The 26-year-old has never been the quickest of wide men and is really struggling for form this season, finding just one goal and one assist in 18 La Liga outings, but remains a good technician with creative instincts and a decent eye for goal.
He proved as much in the Champions League’s Group Stages earlier this season, netting twice in five outings whilst averaging 2.2 created chances per match, and would offer the Magpies added width in attack.
Something tells me the aforementioned clubs won’t come good on their reported interest this summer so if the Toon act quickly, Benitez’s presence on Tyneside could see them seal a deal for the 35-cap international.
JOSE CALLEJON
Jose Callejon enjoyed the best form of his career under Rafa Benitez after being brought to Napoli by the Newcastle boss in summer 2013, bagging 26 goals and nine assists in 75 Serie A outings during the Spaniard’s two campaigns in Naples.
He can operate as a striker, a wide man or a No.10, capable of converting chances or providing them for others, and comes with good pedigree, having begun his career in the Real Mardid academy and later represented them on 77 occasions at senior level following an intermittent spell at Espanyol.
Having failed to rekindle that same level of form under Benitez’s Napoli successor Maurizio Sarri this season, Callejon might be open to leaving Napoli this summer – especially considering he’s now 29 years of age and running out of time to test himself in another league.
Likewise, with his contract verging upon its final two years, a summer departure could suit the Naples outfit as well. A talented attacker with 42 outings in European competitions under his belt, producing an impressive 15 goals, Callejon would be a real coup for the relegation-threatened Toon.
CHRISTIAN BENTEKE
Despite Aleksandar Mitrovic’s late heroics against Sunderland, Newcastle United still lack a centre-forward they can truly depend on for a consistent supply of goals.
Enter Liverpool’s Christian Benteke, who looks to become one of the only strikers combining proven Premier League pedigree, decent age and availability during the summer transfer window amid reports Jurgen Klopp will look to offload the out-of-favour Belgian battering ram.
Indeed, the 25-year-old’s target man services just don’t suit the Klopp philosophy but he netted 49 times across three campaigns with Aston Villa and would amass an even greater haul in a side willing to offer him the right kind of service.
Benteke’s availability is already intriguing a number of clubs, most notably West Ham, but the Benitez connection could give Newcastle the upper hand in any negotiations with the Merseyside outfit.
RAUL ALBIOL
Another Napoli ace who might be interested in a Benitez reunion is Raul Albiol – who also worked under the Spaniard at Valencia, albeit at youth team level, all the way back in 2002.
He’s another Real Madrid import the Magpies gaffer brought to Naples and has represented the Spanish national team on a whopping 53 occasions, featuring in the squads that lifted consecutive European Championships and the 2010 World Cup.
Newcastle are in desperate need of a new defensive leader amid Fabricio Coloccini’s desperate struggles for form, preferrably at centre-half, and the 30-year-old more than fits the bill in that regard.
Now coming to the end of his best years and set to enter the final twelve months of his contract this summer, a decent bid could well convince the Serie A outfit to sell. But Albiol has played regularly at European level for the entirety of his senior career and may resultantly deem the Magpies a little below his station.