Benitez kick-starts summer clear out as he plans for ‘big money’ deals at NUFC – Exciting

According to the Chronicle, Rafa Benitez is pushing for a mass-clear out at NUFC this summer, hoping to sell several high earners in a bid to cut the cub’s wage-bill – enabling us to sign certain summer targets who are set to demand ‘£100,000 salaries’.

While it wasn’t the announcement of a new contract, it was confirmed yesterday that Benitez had agreed to stay with the club for at least another season, with ‘positive talks’ and the promise of a ‘competitive’ summer budget giving us all some much needed good news.

With this short-term future settled, attentions can now turn to another big summer for the club – and some of his initial plans have already been revealed today.

The Chronicle have confirmed that he’s set to axe several fringe players and high earners in a bid to cut the wage-bill and create space to bring in some big money signings (with several of Rafa’s summer targets likely to demand big wages):

“Many of their targets will command big weekly wage bills with some players asking for more than £100,000 per week this summer.”

Haidara and Gamez are already all set to leave, but the story also states that Mitrovic, Colback, Mbemba, Sels, Armstrong and Saivet will also be up for sale – with Mitro and Colback said to be on wage packets of £50,000 and £40,000 respectively.

It’s a bit of a worry that we may have to sell before we can buy big, but the recent release of our accounts did highlight the heft wage bill and, with more players needing to come in this summer, it seems essential we sell those who are either deadwood or not in Rafa’s plans.

On the flip side, it’s exciting to hear that a plan is being put in place to enable us to compete in the market and attract quality players – a move that suggests we’re ready to break our current wage cap.

Hopefully the clear-out begins with Fulham winning the play-off final and bidding big for Mitrovic this summer. Some may want to see him stay, but a potential £20m deal would give Benitez the ammunition to bring in a proven striker of his choice this summer. I know what I’d prefer..

(Fancy writing for us? Send any articles/ideas over to us at [email protected] & we’ll get back to you!)

About Olly Hawkins

As a Junior Magpie since birth and season ticket holder, I eat, sleep and breathe all things NUFC! Here at the blog, I aim to bring you news, views, match reports and transfer exclusives as and when I get them.

3 thoughts on “Benitez kick-starts summer clear out as he plans for ‘big money’ deals at NUFC – Exciting

  1. I would assume that given Ashley’s pervious record Benitez will be holding out to see how well he is backed this summer before putting pen to paper. I hold out hope that Ashley will give him what he needs then secure him to a longer term contract early next season.

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  2. Not really sure that Mitro warrants a 20 million price tag.

    He’s a striker who has done well in the Championship but is currently on Prem wages with 2 years left on his contract.

    Don’t think a Prem team will want him, don’t think a Championship team can afford to buy him.

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  3. Rob Brown:
    Not really sure that Mitro warrants a 20 million price tag.

    He’s a striker who has done well in the Championship but is currently on Prem wages with 2 years left on his contract.

    Don’t think a Prem team will want him, don’t think a Championship team can afford to buy him.

    It’s a funny one mate. In this day and age, players who’re young, scoring for fun in the Championship and at international level are probably worth at least £20m?

    I see what you’re saying though – Brighton bid under £8m in January!

    I just think we’d be left short changed if we accepted anything under £20m given what players go for these days (Andre Gray £20m!)

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