Rafa Benitez is hoping for a return to Newcastle United as manager.
Benitez left Newcastle last summer for Chinese side Dalian Yifang, but it is reported that he is keen on a second stint at the club.
Rafa Benitez Keen on Newcastle United Return
Newcastle Takeover
The club is rumoured to be taken over by the PCP group. They are awaiting approval from the Premier League, following the league’s owners and director’s test.
If the deal goes through, it is expected to be worth around £300 million.
Current boss Steve Bruce has been given backing until the end of the season. However, it is rumoured he will not be in the managerial hot seat come the start of next season. Mauricio Pochettino and Zinedine Zidane are also among those to be potential candidates for the Newcastle job.
It would be a hefty compensation fee that Newcastle would have to pay, if they want Benitez.
Already Making Plans
If the former Liverpool boss is re-appointed as manager, he is reported to want John Stones and Ross Barkley as two signings.
It’s believed Stones could leave Manchester City this summer in order to get more playing time before next summer’s European Championship.
Barkley, on the other hand, had impressed under Chelsea manager Frank Lampard this season. But with the number of options in the Blues’ midfield, Barkley could leave the club.
Barkley was a target for Benitez back in 2018. However, Newcastle could not match Chelsea’s offer for the then Everton midfielder.
Rafa Benitez’s Newcastle Career
Benitez took over from Steve McClaren in March 2016, with the task to steer the club for relegation.
Though Newcastle were relegated to the Championship, Benitez opted to stay at the club, guiding them to promotion at the first attempt.
In the club’s first full season back in the Premier League, he led them to a tenth place finish. Then, last season, he secured the club a third consecutive season in the top flight, after no wins in their first ten games.
However, disagreements with current owner Mike Ashley meant Benitez left the club last summer.
Benitez left the Newcastle as a fans’ favourite, with many of the Toon Army disappointed that he left the club.
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