OPINION
Newcastle United fans have understandably been worrying about the future of Rafa Benitez lately, with the Spanish boss’ current deal expiring at the end of the season – however there is good news for those supporters.
According to the Telegraph, the chances of Benitez staying put and signing a new deal at St James’ Park have “increased dramatically” in the last few weeks.
It is understood that the 58-year-old is now looking for “an excuse to stay” rather than finding reasons to leave Tyneside, and that is going to be a massive boost for the entire Newcastle fanbase.
Benitez has done a wonderful job at St James’ Park, taking what has effectively been a Championship-standard squad and sealing Premier League safety for what could be two seasons in a row.
Saturday’s 2-0 win against Huddersfield has lifted the Toon up to 15th in the table, four points clear of the relegation zone and it appears as though the signing of Miguel Almiron in January, coupled with the club’s decent run of form, has made Benitez take the decision to stay on Tyneside.
Mike Ashley has barely let Benitez spend any money on improving the squad since winning the Championship title in 2016/17, but the controversial Newcastle owner did finally smash the club’s transfer record in January to sign Almiron.
The Paraguay international was hugely impressive on his full debut at St James’ Park in the win over Huddersfield, leaving the field to a standing ovation in the second-half.
That one signing could be the biggest reason as to why Benitez has decided he wants to pen a new deal, which could be the best news that Newcastle fans have heard in a long time.