Former Newcastle United star and current Sky Sports pundit Steve Howey has revealed he is tearing his hair out over the fact Rafael Benitez is having to scour the transfer market for bargain signings under Mike Ashley.
With the January transfer window around the corner there has been much speculation over what might be happening at St James’ Park but as revealed in a solemn statement by the Spaniard, they are not close to agreeing anything for the start of 2019.
Speaking about the Magpies’ approach, Howey insisted Benitez had what it takes to make some impressive signings and that he wished Ashley would put his hands into his pockets.
He told Sky Sports News’ Football Centre (28/12, 10:50): “I think Rafa is doing a fantastic job, he’s the best asset they’ve got but it will be interesting to see what they do in January.
“(On his pessimistic comments after Liverpool) I think he’s in transfer mode, he’s desperate to try and get some finances, he has struggled to get money from the owner. It’s to give the owner and Mr Charnley a nudge.
“The squad needs strengthening all along but unfortunately that hasn’t been the case. It’s a squad that does need a boost. There’s no doubt – he’s got a fantastic network (of agents and players), I’ve got no doubt he’s identified these players. Its just frustrating that you’ve got a manager of his quality looking for scraps in the bargain bucket.”
Opinion
Howey is speaking as part of the Toon Army here and everyone in the stands at St James’ Park will be feeling exactly the same. There can be no questioning that Benitez has one of the most impressive contact books in world football and if he had the money behind him he would have already made a number of exciting signings at St James’ Park. Instead he is having to try and find the best value for money deals which does not bode well for the club moving forward. Last January saw three loan signings made by the Magpies and it could well be that under Ashley Benitez is forced to follow the same sort of road this coming window. It is seriously worrying for the Newcastle faithful, who are hardly inspired by their current squad of players and relegation will be beckoning if there is little to no business carried out over the next month.