BBC reporter makes new Benitez claim & responds to Pochettino rumours ahead of £300m takeover

Spanish journalist Guillem Balague has responded to widespread reports linking both Rafa Benitez and Mauricio Pochettino with the Newcastle United job should a £300m takeover be completed.

While Sky Sports have suggested that a move for Benitez is ‘almost inevitable’ should Staveley’s Saudi-backed buyers arrive, the BBC columnist has insisted that the Spaniard ‘hasn’t heard anything’ from the would-be owners – insisting he’s “miles away” from returning as things stand.

As for Pochettino, he doesn’t see the Argentinian rushing into a new job at Newcastle, believing big offers from Man City, Real Madrid or PSG could arrive before long – even if agents have been told that serious money could be available at St James’ Park.

Starting by addressing talk of a return for Rafa Benitez, here’s what he’s had to say on his YouTube channel

“It will be interesting to see what approach the new owners have got for Newcastle, in terms of style, in terms of money to spend in the market.

“Yes, the rumour that has reached agents is that there will be money available straight away, so they will be at the forefront of interesting signings, it’s just who’s going to go to Newcastle right now?

“I think the first decision will be to get a manager that can link all that.

“By the way, I heard that Rafa Benitez has not heard anything from the new owners, so he’s miles away from what’s happening right now.

“That’s the situation right now (with Benitez).”

Here’s what Guillem then had to say when asked if he sees former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino arriving at St James’ Park:

“I don’t think so – I think Pochettino is in a position where he doesn’t have to rush his next step.

“As I’ve said already, I think it will be very difficult for him to get a job now, as everybody is staying with what they’ve got, it’s not a time for big changes, but something will appear.

“It could be Manchester City after Pep Guardiola leaves, it could be PSG after Tuchel leaves, it could be Real Madrid after Zidane leaves, and why rush a decision now?”

“Newcastle, I just don’t see it.”

Although there’s been a LOT of rumours regarding potential appointments, it shouldn’t be a huge surprise to hear that Rafa is yet to hear anything.

After all, the takeover isn’t official as of yet and Steve Bruce looks set to be given until the end of the season, so there’s plenty time on that front.

As for Pochettino, Balague raises some good points, with him likely to be biding his time when it comes to his next step into management.

With BeIN Sports threatening to derail their £300m takeover, I’m just hoping this all goes through before I get too carried away with who’s coming in!

(Fancy writing for us? Get in touch at [email protected] & we’ll get back to you!)

About Olly Hawkins

As a Junior Magpie since birth and season ticket holder, I eat, sleep and breathe all things NUFC! Here at the blog, I aim to bring you news, views, match reports and transfer exclusives as and when I get them.

2 thoughts on “BBC reporter makes new Benitez claim & responds to Pochettino rumours ahead of £300m takeover

  1. Benitez has probably got a NDA with the potential new owners, so won’t say a thing.

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  2. I doubt benitez has a dna with anybody the new owners wont be going fo anyone until the deal has gone through especially as Bruce will be there for a few months yet anyway.

    I just hope this goes through, I’m starting to get a bad feeling. It’s staggering the amount of people crawling out of the woodwork to try and stop this takeover I’ve never seen anything like it, it’s so annoying. I think will all this pressure on the PL they are going to fold and reject the deal. I hope to god they dont but it just feels cursed we are going to be stuck with Ashley until pops his cloggs ??‍♂️

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