Rafa Benitez was forced into working with a shoestring budget last season, he will be hoping Mike Ashley gives him a war chest to spend this summer, as he looks to improve on his 10th placed finish.
Newcastle United’s Spanish manager worked wonders to guide the Tynesiders to a 10th placed finish last season, without spending all that much on a squad which could have done with strengthening.
Benitez got his side well organised and drilled. His success was largely built on defensive solidity, helped by the heroic performances of Jamaal Lascelles, who was a rock at the back all season for the Magpies.
Jonjo Shelley was also a key player in the middle of the park. He was able to spread play with his range of passing. He impressed all season getting Newcastle on the move.
Rafa Benitez will really want to add to his squad this summer with some real quality, given the lack of money spent so far, he may have to further utilise the loan market.
With that in mind, here are two major coups which would transform Newcastle United’s summer
Georginio Wijnaldum is no stranger to Tyneside, having spent one season playing for the Magpies, before his move to Anfield.
However, with the signings the Anfield outfit have made this summer, Wijnaldum will at best be a squad player at Liverpool. Naby Keita and Fabinho two midfielders both coming into the club for mega-money deals. Wijnaldum will be wondering where this leaves him, and likely assessing his options.
Managing to bring in the Dutchman on loan would be huge for the Magpies. He could provide the perfect compliment to Jonjo Shelvey in the middle of the park. He is an adept dribbler who will get the team on the move.
As a potential partner for Jamaal Lascelles, Arsenal’s Rob Holding would be ideal.
A player of undoubted quality, Rob Holding’s chances to get first-team football at Arsenal will be seriously limited. Jamaal Lascelles was a rock at the back, without being a real ball-playing defender. Rob Holding is a class modern centre-back, calm under pressure and can use both feet. He would be an ideal partner for Lascelles at the back and make Newcastle even more solid at the back than they were last season. One of Benitez’s best qualities is being able to organise a defence, and players like Rob Holding will make his job easier.
A loan-deal for Holding would be a huge coup for the club.
