By Alex Chandy
Ruben Loftus-Cheek has opened the door to a potential move this summer following interest from Rafa Benitez – admitting that he’ll happily leave Chelsea if he’s not given a proper chance to play.
Having been linked on several occasions this summer and attempting to sign him on loan over the past few windows, Benítez certainly seems to view Loftus-Cheek as a target this summer – however this one will only be possible if we pursued a permanent deal.
With us having already acquired Kenedy from Chelsea on a season-long loan, Premier League rules mean we would NOT be able to sign another on loan from Stamford Bridge.
That may end up ruling us out, but we’d be wise to spend the Merino and Hayden money (potentially £20m together) in an ambitious attempt to sign him – especially when he sounds open to a move away from Chelsea if he’ll play regularly at Premier League level.
Here’s what he’s said today, suggesting he’s not prepared to sit on the bench next season:
“I’ve had a taste of what Premier League football is like and I don’t want to miss out on that next season.
“I’ll have a little break – not too much or I’ll miss the start of the season, clear my mind and we go from there.
“I just try to do my best every time I play and if he [Sarri] is watching then he’s watching. But for me I don’t think about that, I think of trying to play my best football and improve as much as I can.”
#NUFC linked with a permanent transfer for Ruben Loftus-Cheek to replace Merino & Hayden. Interestingly RLC is Carl Cort's half-brother (same Dad). pic.twitter.com/7YadMNNxRd
— NUFC Gallowgate (@NUFCgallowgate) July 14, 2018
Despite being a surprise addition, the midfielder showed his worth in recent games as a powerful, balanced and versatile player, putting in some impressive cameos during England’s World Cup campaign.
The youngster is certainly an example that age is just a number. The call from Gareth Southgate came from a run of strong performances under Roy Hodgson’s Crystal Palace. Despite spending a lot of the season out injured, Loftus-Cheek showed his quality and presence on a team in the first and last few games of the 2017/2018 season.
A consistent run in an aspiring team could see Loftus Cheek fill his potential and if anyone, Rafa is the man to guide him in the right direction.
With recent news of fan favourite Isaac Hayden handing in a transfer request and the sales of Merino, Mbemba and Mitrovic set to hands us over £40m, it would seem we need the players for squad depth.
Breaking our transfer record for the Chelsea midfielder would certainly be a big statement for the start of the season.
Merino and potential Hayden money spent on Loftus-Cheek? Oh, yes! pic.twitter.com/DwiyGX5OXZ
— NUFC 360 (@NUFC360) July 14, 2018
There Is absolutely no chance Newcastle will sign him under this current regime, more laugh out loud speculation. The fat controller will probably offer a bag of penny chews and a can of coke to try and get him on loan. Sick of reading garbage other teams out spending us and all we do is stand still Ashley and co are beyond a bad joke.
Texas(Quote)
Yeh I can’t see it happening myself – which is such a shame given any normal club with ambition would use Merino/Hayden sales to try and make it happen.
He could be worth a huge amount in years to come so Ashley could see it as a worthwhile investment.
The sort of deal that would make sense and one Rafa would love, but it’s probably fantasy stuff while Ashley’s here.
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
The big problem here is that we talk in terms of players, skill levels, woryh and sell-on value and Cashley talks in Trainers and socks.
Sad fat cockney git….!
Porciestreet(Quote)
The big problem here is that we talk in terms of players, skill levels, woth and sell-on value and Cashley talks in Trainers and socks.
Sad fat cockney git….!
Porciestreet(Quote)
No offense I love my club Newcastle and have ever since I herd a club singed a forward for 15M pound way back now it was round the time when I was 10 or so trying to decide which football club to support I said this club are going places how wrong was I.Ashleys plan was always to buy young players n sell on for a profit he doesn’t even want to do that anymore I hope Mbemba Hayden Ritchie Mitrovic go nowhere n Rafa should block there exists because the fat man will just rob the money it’s a joke Ashley is a joke
Irish Magpie(Quote)
bollocks ashley wont spend anything this window only make money the **********
lick my ball sack ashley(Quote)