‘Shocking’, ‘Absolute joke’ – Newcastle United fans fume at Benitez’s startling comment

For the Newcastle United fans here in the Transfer Tavern, this January window is perhaps their most important in modern history. Indeed, with the bottom half of the Premier League oh so tight right now, many of our resident Geordies believe reinforcements are needed now more than ever. 

Should the Magpies fail to strengthen and be dragged down into a relegation battle, suffering a second drop into the Championship in three years could be enough to see Rafa Benitez from St. James’ Park. Not only that, it could perhaps scupper any takeover that may be on the cards.

So, you’d think Mike Ashley would be doing all he could to back Benitez in the market and keep his asset in the strongest position ahead of a potential sale. Well, think again. This is Mike Ashley, after all.

Speaking to the press before Newcastle’s FA Cup 3rd round clash with Luton Town tomorrow, Benitez actually revealed (relayed by Lee Ryder on Twitter) he STILL doesn’t know his budget for the January window, despite it having been open for five days thus far. As you can imagine, that prompted quite the response from the punters propping up our bar.

Rafa on transfers: “I don’t know exactly what our budget is.” #nufc

— Lee Ryder (@lee_ryder) January 5, 2018

With that in mind, here’s a look at how those online reacted.

you couldn't make this up like could you, but then again I'm not surprised! you've fleeced the club for years now with your penny-pinching and free advertising from your company Mike Ashley. just give rafa a reasonable amount to spend so he can get a few players in + 1s on loan!

— Michael Ree (@michaeljree) January 5, 2018

FFS seriously? Absolute joke

— NUFC_Unoffical (@NUFCUNE14ST) January 5, 2018

Will be repeat of previos "great" january window #notransfersin

— Evgeny Kolobrodov (@Jason_Mag) January 5, 2018

No surprise there really Ashley same old same old we will spend nothing he take risk us staying up

— Rory Jake Robertson (@RoryNUFC94) January 5, 2018

Shocking, given the window is open!

— Geordie (@MrBumpa) January 5, 2018

same old Ashley, nothing will ever change

— Alan Jones (@jonesyall3) January 5, 2018