OPINION
When it comes to contracts at Newcastle United there is only one which matters to the St James’ Park faithful – that of manager Rafael Benitez.
The Spaniard is set to see his current deal expire at the end of the season with no sign of it being extended any time soon and after three years on Tyneside, the supporters will be desperate to see him remain for the foreseeable future.
However, the manager is not the only man facing a potential exit this summer, with midfield mainstay Mohamed Diame also coming to the end of his deal – although the senior star’s terms are a little different to the man in the dugout.
The Chronicle report that there is an automatic one-year extension to be triggered if he starts three more times this season but that there is conflict behind-the-scenes, with Diame himself said to be seeking a two-year deal – and if not, a summer exit.
Ignoring his wishes is risking the fury of one of the club’s most experienced options in the senior squad but quite frankly that is a risk Benitez has to take.
Firstly, the club cannot afford to lose him for nothing and so even if he is to leave in summer, best to do it with a year on his contract and get a transfer fee for his sale.
Secondly, the lack of midfield options means letting him leave requires finding a replacement – a task easier said than done under Mike Ashley – and so keeping an unhappy Diame on board is better than having no one in place at all.
Diame might be angling for that two-year deal but with the opportunity to trigger that clause with no effort whatsoever, the Magpies should have no fear in letting Diame’s anger stew under the surface.