The Chronicle have revealed that Rafa Benitez has received TWO separate contract proposals from Mike Ashley this summer – and he’s rejected both, with the NUFC owner having offered a five-year deal and a one-year extension to the Spaniard.
The story states that ‘neither contained all of the assurances’ Benitez felt were necessary to take the club forward, with it looking as though he’ll now wait to see how the club end the summer transfer window before making any more decisions on his future.
Fortunately, it seems certain that Benitez will stay for the final year of his contract – with the gaffer clearly keen to respect his current deal and not let down the fans – however his future beyond that seems in serious doubt, with Ashley continuing to mess him around in the transfer market.
Here’s what the Chronicle have had to say on the matter, revealing Ashley’s TWO contract offers earlier this summer.
‘Newcastle United made two contract offers to Rafa Benitez during the close season – but neither contained all of the assurances the former Liverpool boss feels are needed to take the club forward.
‘Benitez isn’t concerned about personal fortune but does want solid pledges on recruitment and also wanted to make changes to the Academy and Under-23 set-up.
‘Newcastle first offered a five-year deal to Benitez but United and the Spaniard’s representatives couldn’t come to an agreement after some requests weren’t granted.
‘It is believed that a one-year extension – around the time Benitez was offered the caretaker job with Spain at the World Cup – was then pushed the 58-year-old’s way but the Toon boss felt there was little point in a short-term solution at the club.’
Ashley’s playing a dangerous game if he really think he can mess Benitez about yet still expect him to commit his long term future at the club.
The worst part is, Benitez clearly wants to be here – and even admitted last week that he’d see himself staying for ‘five or ten years’ – however you get the feeling we’ll be lucky to have him in another 10 months if Ashley doesn’t sell up or seriously change his ways.
As many have commented, Rafa is waiting for a new owner to discuss the future.
If Ashley remains, Rafa does not……
BillytheFish(Quote)
Think you’re bang on mate.
New owners have never been more needed – but it seems Ashley has never been so stubborn..
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
If Rafa walks then so do I. I’ve not jacked in season ticked simply because Rafa is at the helm.
Dave Havery(Quote)
Trouble is the longer this goes on the more its going to affect the players , Some will not try if not picked regularly knowing its Rafas last season .The best players will be informing their agents too get them out the club come january . The **** is about too hit the fan in 3weeks time when the window slams shut and a very unhappy Rafa will be firefighting just too try and keep us in the premiership before leaving next summer .This even for all the actions of Ashley in the past beggars belief and yet again the club we all love , will go from a position of being able too join the top 6 with a world class manager too joining the second division of English football .Next time we wont bounce back at the first time of asking and its going to be a long road back .
Life is Black and White(Quote)
I firmly believe Ashley will sell up whilst he has Rafa in position. Once Rafa goes (next year) Ashley will be in deep trouble. Today’s news of 72% down in revenue is a drop in the ocean compared to seeing his club fall into a situation like Sunderland. Amanda Staveley, time to make your move. Rafa will sign a new contract with her in the seat.
Dutch Docherty(Quote)