Rafa Benitez must be used to transfer frustration at Newcastle United by now, however, if the club fail to act and spend money to bring in top quality talent, it is questionable how long the Spaniard will put up with it.
Benitez worked miracles on Tyneside last season, delivering a top half finish despite having a threadbare squad.
The St James Park outfit have brought in some players this window, signing Martin Dubravka on a permanent deal after he impressed last season. The club have also brought in South Korea international Ki Sung-Yeung on a free transfer from relegated Swansea City. They have also managed to secure the season-long loan of Kenedy after his successful spell at the club on loan from Chelsea last season.
Whilst none of these are bad signings per se, it is surely not the calibre of player Rafa Benitez is hoping to bring to Tyneside. Rafa Benitez deserves to manage a club that does not over-rely on loans and free transfers.
With that in mind, here are three signings Newcastle United could make which would keep Rafa Benitez at the club for a long time to come…
Re-signing Andros Townsend would be a positive step for Newcastle United.
The set piece specialist adds a directness to play that would be welcome in Tyneside, he will also put in a lethal cross into the box which strikers will feed off.
Selling the player in the first place was likely a mistake, but the club should seek to re-sign Townsend and admit their error. Rafa Benitez would be pleased to be able to work with the talents of Andros Townsend, and he would consider it to be a show of ambition from the club.
The energy and presence of Aaron Mooy alongside Jonjo Shelvey would provide a real edge to Newcastle’s play.
The Australian international, who played a crucial role in Huddersfield Towns promotion to, and subsequent survival in, the Premier League, would be a great signing.
With Jonjo Shelvey sitting slightly deeper, Mooy would have the creative license to get forward and look to bring Newcastle’s forward options into play. His long shot ability would also add a new dynamic to the Tyneside club’s play.
Daniel Sturridge needs to get his career back on track, and Newcastle United would be a good move for both player and club.
His loan spell at West Bromwich Albion was something of a disaster, after yet another injury limited his game time.
However, whether it be on loan of a permanent deal, Sturridge would be worth a consideration by Newcastle United. When fit, he is a top quality Premier League striker. In the 2013/14 season with Liverpool, the Birmingham-born striker struck 21 Premier League goals.
