Newcastle United supporters in the Transfer Tavern have been reacting with dread to the recent speculation that manager Rafa Benitez is one man to have been linked with the Spain job.
Current national team manager Julen Lopetegui has been confirmed as the new Real Madrid boss to replace Zinedine Zidane after this summer’s World Cup, and Toon chief Benitez is one man who is thought to be in the minds of the Spanish FA as they search for their next manager. The 58-year-old did a terrific job in leading Newcastle to tenth place upon their return to the Premier League, this all despite very little financial backing from owner Mike Ashley and the club’s hierarchy.
As such, there are many concerned Magpies supporters in the Tavern at present, several of whom are likely to be intrigued by recent reports suggesting that it might take a club transfer record to lure Kenedy back to St James’ Park next season.
And given how well the 22-year-old sensation performed for the club this term, alongside the speculation mounting around Benitez’s future, Ashley simply must back the Newcastle manager by smashing their transfer record for the Brazilian ace.
Ultimately, it has been 13 long years since the North East giants shelled out £16 million to bring Michael Owen to St James’ from Real Madrid, which remarkably remains the club’s transfer record despite the inflated prices seen in the market in the last few years.
And while money doesn’t always equal success, it’s clear from Benitez’s frustrations that financial backing is needed this summer to take Newcastle back to its former glories, and given the prices banded about nowadays, smashing the current transfer record will almost certainly need to happen.
And who better to smash that record on than the hugely influential Kenedy, who played an integral part in helping the Magpies secure a top-half finish upon their return to English football’s top-flight.
The 22-year-old made the move from Chelsea on loan back in January and went on to score two goals and two assists in 13 Premier League appearances.
And while those numbers aren’t ground-breaking, what was clear was the impact he had on the attacking ranks at St James’, with Benitez’s side undoubtedly carrying a greater creative threat when he was on the pitch.
And at the tender age of 22, and under a quality coach in Benitez, Kenedy is only likely to keep on improving, which spells danger for any opposition defences given how impressive he looked this time round, let alone in the years to come.
Yes, the uncertainty surrounding the managerial situation at Chelsea could cause problems for Newcastle, but if they want the Brazilian star to return to St James’ next season, it appears that only a club transfer record will suffice.
Ashley should be willing to invest that anyway given the potential of the club, but even more so now given recent speculation linking Benitez with the Spain job – the Magpies owner simply cannot afford to lose the 58-year-old.
And that is why the Newcastle owner must back Benitez by smashing the club’s transfer record to lure Kenedy back to the North East this summer.
Newcastle fans… what do you think? Let us know!
