OPINION
Any manager hoping to lift fans’ hopes of a successful season needs a reasonable transfer budget to work with, and so far this window Newcastle owner Mike Ashley has kept an iron grip on the club’s finances which has prevented Rafael Benitez from working his magic.
Ashley has been notoriously tight with his money, and continues to make Benitez produce miracles without having the funds to bring in top-class players – however, that could be all about to change.
The Sun has reported that the Sports Direct owner is eager for the Spaniard to remain at St James’ Park, and is willing to give him a budget of over £100 million if he stays.
Despite this news, one player that he does not need to worry about spending big money on is Milan Badelj, who has left Serie A club Fiorentina and is now available as a free agent.
According to the Mirror, Badelj is an option for Benitez in this transfer window after previously being linked other clubs – and he would represent a masterstroke by the manager in the midst of the club’s transfer furore.
Landing a player like the Croatian World Cup star would be a major coup for Benitez, and would provide much-needed defensive cover to his current back line.
Croatia are infamous for their talented midfield players, and Badelj is no exception to that rule, helping his country to their best-ever World Cup finish after losing out to France in the final.
The 6”1″ (source: Transfermarkt) enforcer largely operates as a defensive midfielder, and the Toon need to recruit a player in this position to strengthen their midfield, a role that can potentially make or break a game.
Now the club need to make an imminent freebie swoop for the gifted Croatian international which could be a masterstroke by Benitez.