OPINION
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez must look to spend more than he claims to want to in this summer’s transfer window.
There is no doubt that Newcastle will need reinforcements if they are to build on their performances this season and last season, having finished 10th and guaranteed 15th at the worst after returning to the top flight in 2017.
But Magpies boss Benitez may need to broaden his horizons slightly if his team are to compete.
Speaking after the 3-2 defeat to Liverpool on Saturday, the Spaniard highlighted the importance not only of the upcoming transfer window, but of the need to be shrewd with who he signs.
“I think we are getting better. In terms of how many players we need? To get close to the top six is very difficult,” Benitez told the Newcastle Chronicle.
“You have to be sure the characters you buy are right – and you cannot spend £50 million on one player. Maybe you have one for £5m who can do similar things.
“Today, someone who kicks the ball forward costs £5m, then to put the ball in the net is £25m, so it’s very difficult to compete.
“This will be a really important transfer window for this club. It will be really important not to make mistakes.”
But in the current market, Benitez has to be prepared to splash out if he is to bring in sufficient reinforcements over the summer.
The manager highlighted in his quotes that clubs can warrant £25m for a basic goalscoring striker, but if that’s what it takes, that’s what Newcastle must be prepared to pay.
Newcastle did break their club transfer record at the end of January for Paraguayan striker Miguel Almiron, who joined for £26million from Atlanta United, but he failed to score in his 10 appearances this season before suffering a hamstring injury at the end of April.
Aside from Almrion, it is signings like Yoshinori Muto, who joined for £9million from Mainz last summer, who have failed to impress.
The Japanese striker has failed to score in 17 appearances in all competitions for the Magpies, while Spanish striker Joselu – who cost £5million – has only scored three goals in 20 appearances this season.
The fans inside St. James’ Park want Benitez to stay; they were chanting exactly that on Saturday. But if the club are not willing to spend a decent amount of money to secure proper targets, they can say goodbye to bringing in worthwhile additions.