OPINION
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez knows that he has to sell before he buys this summer transfer window – and so when a bid of £15million comes in for one of his stars, it must be a difficult decision as to whether to accept or reject the approach.
That is the reported case with first team mainstay Matt Ritchie, who is said by the Chronicle to be at the heart of transfer negotiations between the Magpies and recently relegated side Stoke City.
With the likes of former stars Kenedy and Andros Townsend lined up, that £15million fee would be a massive boost to helping Benitez with his recruitment, no doubt helping pay for the majority of at least one of the pair, and if he judges that it is an upgrade down the flanks, it would be tough to say no.
However, at the same time the fees in the window have skyrocketed over recent years, and with Ritchie a proven Premier League talent with bags full of experience under his belt, not to mention a proven work ethic, Newcastle might be left feeling a little short changed were they to let him go for such a price.
It appears as though the Magpies have followed that way of thinking, with the Chronicle reporting that the multi-million pound bid from Stoke has been rejected in what is a big call from those at St James’ Park.
However, considering the circumstances, it is absolutely the right move.
Ritchie has been crucial to Newcastle’s success in his two years with both his quality and mentality on the pitch, and there would be more than just footballing talent being lost were he to leave.
He would be an asset to any dressing room up and down the country, and as tempting as that £15million is, they must know they can eek out a couple more million for his capture, especially with Premier League sides said to be sniffing around.
If he is to go, a replacement must be lined up ready to come in immediately, and with that up in the air too, turning down the Potters’ approach, as difficult as it might be, was the correct call.