For me, the script is obvious here at Newcastle United. It’s relatively calm at present but from a wider perspective, there’s a growing uncertainty.
The uncertainty has stemmed from an exaggerated scenario surrounding Rafa Benitez’s future on Tyneside in that he has entered the final year of his contracted time here. A contract that Rafa himself has said is no big deal if he gets what he wants in the way of transfers or control.
It’s clear to see that there will be no new contract signed on the back of promises of investment or lukewarm handshakes, it’s all about what happens in the next two transfer windows. An investment that Rafa sees that matches his ambition will see a new deal signed but not before and definitely not if the same false promises rear their head again.
Against this backdrop of national uncertainty, the papers are having a field day of linking most of our players with moves away with our club captain Jamaal Lascelles being linked with Everton in the past day. A link with no substance like the last lot although at least this time, the £30m transfer fee is a lot more realistic than the £8m one that was mentioned just over a month ago.
Like the Andy Carroll deal that blew everyone away the other year, Lascelles will have his price that will make Mike Ashley baulk but even at £50m upwards, the loss to the club could be a value ten times greater over the next few years as the place would collapse like a pile of cards.
In this World Cup-themed Summer, a far greater importance for our future is dictated by what happens in the next eight weeks and the value of it could be felt for years to come. It’s up to Mike Ashley to dictate which direction this goes in.