Following his surprise call-up to the England squad, Rafa Benitez has admitted that on-loan Swansea striker Tammy Abraham was a player that ‘could have’ arrived at Newcastle over the summer – but restates his desire to forget about that and focus on improving our own players.
With several fans frustrated with Joselu’s form and disappointed not to see Mitrovic used, Rafa Benitez had the following to say about Abraham – a striker who may be seen as ‘the one that go away’ from the Spaniard over the summer:
“We knew that he (Abraham) was a player with potential and could go with the national team now or in the future. He was with the Under-21’s.
“Yes Abraham could have been here, but he’s not here.
“We have to ensure we improve our players.”
It was widely reported over the summer that the top Chelsea prospect was one of Rafa’s priority targets during the summer window, with a loan deal for the striker seemingly all-but agreed at one stage.
As we know, Abraham eventually joined Swansea City and has been involved in 5 of their 7 goals this season, scoreing four goals and bagging one assist in nine top-flight starts – subsequently earning him an England call-up for this week’s friendly against Germany.
It seemed as though a moving o the goal posts with agent fees and a late surge from former Chelsea coach Paul Clement scuppered his move to Newcastle, and whilst we must move on, there’s no denying that he would’ve been a far more prolific alternative to Joselu – a striker who, unlike Abraham, seems to lack composure in front of goal despite all his efforts.
With issues lingering over Joselu, Gayle and Mitrovic, hopefully we’ll see a much needed proven goalscorer arrive in January to soften the blow.
