George Caulkin has been speaking on a recent edition of Gallowgate Shots on YouTube about all things Newcastle United.
One of the points that The Athletic reporter spent some time on was the potential return of Rafael Benitez.
The Spaniard left Newcastle in the summer of 2019, but now he has left his job in China and is looking for a new role.
Caulkin believes that Benitez could return to Newcastle – but not under the current regime.
He said: “I can see him coming back, but I think a lot of things would have to align for that to happen. Timing is one of the biggest things in football, and it doesn’t often align perfectly.
“I can’t see him coming back under Mike Ashley; I don’t think that’s something that either camp would be in favour of, for very obvious reasons.
“There is now a window where Rafa doesn’t have a job, but the thing about that is, a) the takeover hasn’t happened, and b) Rafa hates not working.
“So, I know for a fact he’s going frantic now, and he’s asking the question every day, ‘where can I go, where can I go, where can I go?’
“I can certainly see him coming back under new ownership, but a lot of things have to align for that to happen.”
Do you think Benitez could return?
Yes, if we get new owners
No, he has had his time
TIF Thoughts on Benitez returning to Tyneside…
While the proposed takeover of Newcastle by PCP Capital Partners, PIF and the Reuben brothers was ongoing, the Spaniard was linked with a return to Newcastle.
However, that takeover has not happened yet, so it is unclear if Benitez will return to the Toon in the near future.
That takeover process is currently undergoing arbitration, and if that is successful, it is thought the consortium will bid again.
Maybe if they do and are successful, we will see Benitez return to Tyneside. However, until the arbitration process is finished, we can’t really say what will happen.