Earlier today Rafa Benitez sent a clear yet slightly concerning message to Mike Ashley, stating that he ‘hoped’ the NUFC owner would ‘keep his word’ and deliver the signings he promised this summer.
In the last few moments, it appears Rafa’s prayers have been answered with Newcastle agreeing a £12.5m fee for Norwich City winger Jacob Murphy, with this news coming as a huge relief to Benitez and us fans after a desperately frustrating few weeks in the transfer market.
Here’s what Benitez had to say earlier today when speaking about NUFC’s transfer situation from their Irish training camp:
Rafa interview (Sky sports) #NUFC #Rafa #Ashley pic.twitter.com/EmqiST5vhO
— Triad85 (@Triad85) July 17, 2017
“We are working very hard and trying to get as close as possible to some signings.
“When I had the meeting with Mike Ashley I was confident that after that meeting we have the money available and the wages.
“Everything is in place to move forward.
“Hopefully, Mike can keep his word and we can do what we want to do.”
Forget Murphy himself and what the signing of the U-21 International could bring to the table at St. James’ Park, the biggest thing this indicates is a win for Benitez, highlighting that the club have listened to his demands and paid up for a player he clearly wanted.
Newcastle still have a lot of work to do in the market, but this highlights some much needed progress.
