BBC Sport pundit Garth Crooks has urged Newcastle to keep hold of manager Rafael Benitez or risk losing some of their best talent this summer.
Benitez’s future at St. James’ Park currently hangs in the balance over whether the Spaniard will be given the financial assurances he needs to improve his squad in the upcoming transfer window.
Ayoze Perez’s future is one which is particularly in the spotlight, with a report from the Northern Echo claiming on Tuesday that Napoli are considering an approach for the 25-year-old.
According to Crooks, one thing that is for certain for the Magpies is the imperative nature of keeping Benitez at the helm.
“The chant [on Saturday evening] said it all from the Newcastle fans – ‘Rafa Benitez, we want you to stay’. I bet Salomon Rondon does too,” Crooks wrote in his BBC Sport column.
“Since his arrival at St James’ Park, the Venezuela international has not look back. He has led the Newcastle striking line with distinction.
“The problem for the Magpies is that if Rafa goes, so does half of that team. That team is nothing without Rafa’s leadership and inspiration. The quicker owner Mike Ashley can conclude contract talks with Benitez, the better for all concerned.”
OPINION
Unfortunately for Newcastle, Crooks is right. While Perez or Rondon could be considered linchpins of the Newcastle team, Benitez is the linchpin of the whole operation. If he goes, key members of the squad are likely to follow. It all comes down to what the board feel should be the Spaniard’s spending power this summer, and whether they can reach an agreement with Benitez on that. If the two can’t agree, the chances are that the manager will jump ship, which would be devastating for Newcastle fans, who were chanting his name on Saturday despite coming out 3-2 losers to Liverpool. Since guiding Newcastle back to the Premier League following their relegation to the Championship, successive finishes of 10th last season and 15th at the worst this term show that there is potential in the Magpies’ squad. The problem is, it will only be brought out if all parties involved are happy come the start of the new season.