Rafa Benitez has been speaking to the press today ahead of tomorrow’s game with West Ham and he’s not filled us with confidence when asked about the January transfer window – stating that we have not agreed a deal for any incomings as it stands, with him STILL yet to be told his January budget.
He admitted that we are ‘progressing with some names’, but stated that no deals have been agreed despite news yesterday that Chelsea’s Kenedy looked set to be arriving on loan next month.
Kenedy’s arrival could still be on the cards, with Rafa admitting that progress was being made, but it’s a real concern that he is still unaware of how much he’ll have to spend just days before the window opens.
Here’s what he’s said today:
“In terms of transfer window, we don’t have any agreements with anyone. I don’t know how much I can spend, whether players need to go first yet, or what. The scouting department are looking at players and are working hard.”
“Some of these ‘names’ are impossible but we’re working hard to get players & I’m in contact with Lee Charnley. We have to do things as quickly as possible.”
“Am I confident we can get what we want? In some cases yes, in some cases no. But I have confidence in Mike Ashley that we can get what we want by January 20 so we have lots of time to work with them”
‘Some of these ‘names’ are impossible’. Perhaps Benitez responding to rumours this week linking us to the likes of David Luiz?! Quite possibly.
He does end on a high, saying he is still confident that Mike Ashley will deliver what’s necessary to keep us in the Premier League (for what it’s worth!):
‘I’m confident Mike Ashley will deliver what we need to stay in the Premier League.’
It’s all well and good to hear Rafa say the above, but if the last two windows are anything to go by, we have little reason to believe Ashley will do the right thing.
Here’s some of the other things Rafa had to say in today’s presser, confirming injuries to Mitrovic and Gamez, stating no offers have arrived for potential outgoing players,
Rafa: "We have Mitrovic, who will be between one week & ten days out – still with a problem with his back. Jesus Gámez has had an operation on his ankle, so he will be out for a while. The others have little things, little problems we have to asses & decide for tomorrow." #NUFC
— Matthew Raisbeck (@raisbeck10) December 22, 2017
Rafa: “We haven’t received any offers for our players. We have to do things as quickly as possible but I have the confidence and belief that we will do it.” #NUFC
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) December 22, 2017
Rafa: “We create a good atmosphere in the training sessions. We create competition between the them. If we win one game, it will change everything. The confidence will come back.” #NUFC
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) December 22, 2017
