Guillem Balague has claimed Rafael Benitez will be “a little bit happier” at Newcastle United after their late-window business in the wake of snubbing two big-money offers.
Balague says that the Spaniard was offered moves to clubs in China and Saudi Arabia respectively, both of whom were keen to pay ten million euros (£8.7 million) in order to lure him in.
He adds that Benitez also had a renewal of his contract for five years at Newcastle – something which he has not signed yet – and said that he should be a little bit happier due to the recent arrival of Miguel Almiron, who Benitez hopes will not be just a “one off ” signing.
Balague also heaped praise on the Toon manager, labelling him as a “very special manager” for the way he has been able to turn things around at Newcastle.
“I’ve heard that Rafa Benitez has been approached by clubs in China and Saudi Arabia, both of them willing to pay ten million euros net for two years. This was about two months ago, and he said no, he had on the table a renewal of his contract for five years at Newcastle which he has not signed yet,” he said on his GB Transfer Show.
“He should be, with Miguel Almiron arriving, a little bit happier, it’s taken a while for this to happen, he would like this to continue. He’s doing miracles isn’t he? Well done to Rafa, who I have always known as a very special manager.”
Is Rafa Benitez headed out of Newcastle United?
Here is more on that story and how it is developing.Watch the full episode of the #TransferDeadlineDay special of #GBTransferShow, in association with @FootballIndexUK, right here: https://t.co/uWERUnC5uB pic.twitter.com/rhYk72QeSm
— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) February 1, 2019
OPINION
The fact that Balague said that Benitez had turned down offers from both China and Saudi Arabia shows his commitment to the club, even when the team were not doing as well as he would have liked. He is yet to put pen to paper on a new contract extension, but as Balague explains in this video, the fact that Almiron has arrived has made him that little bit happier – so that may be a key factor in convincing him to commit his future to the Magpies. Yes, Benitez should not expect this signing to just be a fluke for the club – they should continue investing, as they have just set the bar for more stellar signings in the future. Fans will no doubt be hoping and praying that the recent arrival has swayed him somewhat, but it remains to be seen just what he will decide. Balague is right to heap praise on Benitez in the way that he has, though – as he has performed a number of miracles during his spell at the club.