OPINION
In the eyes of many, if not all, Newcastle United fans keeping Rafael Benitez on board past the summer must be the number one priority after securing Premier League football.
With a contract that ends at the end of the season it is easy to understand why the fears are mounting on Tyneside, the Spaniard working miracles with the squad that he has had at his disposal over the last two seasons.
Last year’s 10th placed finish was nothing short of special and while they might not be on course to repeat their heroic effort they still look like securing another season of top flight football – so how does Ashley keep Benitez on board?
Above all else he needs to invest – not only in the transfer market but in the club’s infrastructure, with Benitez setting out his demands for an improved academy and training facility.
Speaking of upgrades on Tyneside, he told Premier League World, as quoted by the Chronicle: “It’s for everyone, not just for us. The prices in the market are now crazy and you will need players coming through the system if you want to keep balancing the books so you will have the passion but at the same time you won’t need to spend £50million on a player. You already have the player there.
“So I think it’s crucial for everyone to understand that the Academy is the future of the club. It’s just to be sure that they have the facilities that they already have, more or less, but also that they’re coached properly so that you can bring some players.”
Saving £50million-plus on signing a new player should have Ashley, who is notoriously tight with funds, licking his lips and while it means a lump sum of investment now, it will save him millions in the future.
Not only that but improved facilities mean more value to the club as a whole and while he might not have sold up yet, he could definitely demand more if a potential investor comes calling.
Add into the equation the fact that Benitez is much more likely to pen a new deal with this little bit of spending and it should have the owner reaching into his pockets and splashing out – this is a short term payout for long term gain.