While concerns may linger over Rafa Benitez’s long-term future on Tyneside, the Chronicle have revealed how the NUFC boss has now recruited full-time scouts to talent spot in Spain – a move that is hardly representative of a man expecting to leave this summer.
Since several U-23 players were released by the club last week, Rafa Benitez has admitted that improvements must be made at youth level, with plans already underway to develop our scouting networks.
He’s vowed to improve the club’s Academy, with plans set to be put in place at the end of the season to increase the number of homegrown players coming up through the ranks, however this isn’t the only project Rafa has committed himself to.
He also has his eye on recruiting top talent from his homeland, with the Chronicle revealing today that he’s been recruiting full-time scouts to cover Spain and central Europe:
“Benitez has also tweaked the club’s recruitment policy and while Steve Nickson remains head of recruitment after replacing former chief scout Graham Carr last year the Magpies have now added some full-time scouts in Spain and in central Europe.
“Existing scouts Mick Tait and Paul Baker continue in their roles but Benitez has talent spotters in eastern Europe with Slovenia, Hungary and Croatia.
“During his Liverpool days Benitez briefed his scouting team to find the top 10 talents in each European country while also keeping an eye on the very best young players on the Continent.
“Newcastle are looking to add some players to their development squad this summer with a host of Under-23 players released last week.”
Benitez is a top proffesional and the sort of man who’d give his all from the first second he was announced as NUFC boss to the last, however these are not the moves of a man who is fully expecting this season to be his last on Tyneside.
Could this be a sign the Spaniard is planning for a long-term stay at St James’ Park? I certainly hope so.
