Newcastle United fans have been reacting on social media that the club will begin a search for a new manager according to an article in The Times. Rafa Benitez’s contract expires at the end of this month and it is suggested in the report the club have accepted that the Spaniard will leave.
An earlier article from The Times suggested that Newcastle had offered Rafa a one-year extension, but that would be their final offer. The report indicated that the club had inserted a non-negotiable transfer fund of around £50 million. The Times suggests no additional talks have been arranged in an attempt to get Benitez to prolong his stay at St James’ Park.
Newcastle are still in the process of a proposed takeover from the Bin Zayed Group, with earlier claims in The Sun suggesting the buyout is progressing well and the company believes the deal could be completed by the end of the month.
Benitez has spent three years in charge of the Magpies but The Times suggests, as things stand, there would be no way back for the 59-year-old Spaniard, a total breakdown of trust will result in Rafa walking at the end of the week.
#NUFC are to begin the search for a new manager after accepting that Rafa Benítez will not extend his three-year stay at St James’ Park beyond the end of this month. (By @GeorgeCaulkin) https://t.co/pRa4e8krrk
— NUFC 360 (@NUFC360) June 24, 2019
I am desperate for him to stay but I’m sorry to say that it’s this means the #nufctakeover is going ahead I am still gutted but happy to get rid of #ashleyout gut feeling is #rafa leaves and cashley stays. This is the end for me!
— David Tasker (@DavidTazGolf9) June 24, 2019
Well to be fair why would he stay.
— Barry Blakely (@BarryBlakely) June 24, 2019
The entire playing squad should put in a combined transfer request in protest. It just shows that 17th is the target again for next season
— Raj Bithal (@Biffarinho) June 24, 2019
Now it’s time for the club to comment regarding this because we as fans have had enough once Rafa goes. Well done Ashley you’ve just messed this up we need this takeover to happen or our club will simply be sinking without trace #NUFC
— john_NUFC42 (@john_nufc42) June 24, 2019
So the take over stories were the usual smoke screen!!! People need to stop going to matches simple !!!
— mr1234 (@onmyshoe) June 24, 2019
Got to be the most upsetting article i have read about nufc
— ToonBliss (@ToonBliss) June 24, 2019
With Ashley’s ownership this was always going to be the likely outcome. Rafa wanted a plan for success and Ashley wants premiership survival to promote his brands. What is the point of NUFC as a sporting club?
— Trevor Parsons (@dxbtrevor) June 24, 2019
The fact it’s taken until A WEEK before Rafa leaves before the club starts considering successors tells you all we need to know.
— Nick Bird (@nickbird1982) June 24, 2019