Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez wants it written into any new contract agreement that he will have the final word on all transfers, according to The Chronicle.
The newspaper claims that the Spaniard has had this assurance in his deal throughout his time with the club, although it’s not something that any of the team’s previous managers have enjoyed.
He will again insist that it is put down in writing in any contract extension he signs, and the Magpies hierarchy are willing to agree to his request.
Although the club haven’t signed everyone that Benitez wanted during his time in charge, they haven’t signed anyone over his head either, which is a state of affairs the manager wants to keep in place.
OPINION
It makes perfect sense that Benitez wants to ensure that this clause is written into any agreement he signs. He’s had this power for the last few years, so why would he want to give it up now? The good thing is, of course, that the Newcastle hierarchy are seemingly perfectly willing for this to be written into his deal. They clearly trust the manager’s judgement when it comes to players and are happy for him to have the final word on any business done. To be honest, this should probably be the case with every football club. No manager should have players bought who he doesn’t actually want, although we know that that does happen in football on occasion. Still, Benitez has seemingly avoided that being the case should he stay on at St James’ Park. The fact that the club have agreed to this request is positive news for the Magpies faithful, as it suggests that the two parties are edging ever closer to an agreement.