Rafa Benitez has agreed to become the new manager of Chinese club Dalian Yifang, according to a Tweet from Sky Sports News reporter Keith Downie.
He claims the Spaniard could be officially announced as early as Tuesday, and will more than double the salary he was on at St James’ Park.
Many fans were hoping the takeover would be completed and we would see the Rafa return, but it would appear those dreams are now over – for now at least.
Downie suggested that one comfort for the fans is that the 59-year-old did not join another English club, I’m not sure the fans are feeling any comfort right now.
And the club are not helping matters either. As I wrote on Monday, they announced the kit was on sale the morning after Rafa officially left. That was only going to go down one way.
The supporters are obviously still heartbroken by Benitez’s departure, but they agree he deserves a better environment, and many of them took to Twitter to wish him good luck in his new job.
One stated ‘he deserves better’ whilst another felt it was ‘Gut-wrenching’ seeing Rafa join another club.
Rafa Benitez has agreed to become the new manager of Chinese club Dalian Yifang, SSN understands. The Spaniard could be introduced as the club’s new boss as early as tomorrow, following the resignation of South Korean Choi Kang Hee today #NUFC
— Keith Downie (@SkySports_Keith) July 1, 2019
Thanks to Mike Ashley we have officially been relegated and we will end up like Sunderland
— Liam (@LiamNUFC1998) July 1, 2019
Good on him. He earnt the right to be backed & couldn’t even get investment in the training complex let alone sign a decent striker. He deserves better.
— NUFC Away (@NUFC_1987) July 1, 2019
Hope he does well. I wish him all the best.
— Simon Coles (@SiColesPT) July 1, 2019
People saying he’s gone early?! It’s July!! He’s waited long enough, could have went when we were relegated but didn’t! Wish him all the best! If club had wanted him they should have signed him up months ago
— Andy Milne (@rockandrollmag) July 1, 2019
Fair play to him. Good look Rafa.
— Stephen Willis (@wincynufc) July 1, 2019
What a waste.
— neilB (@neilTheMagpie) July 1, 2019
Definitely.
Gut wrenching that.
— The Geordie Boot Boy (@BootGeordie) July 1, 2019
Good on him & all the best to him. ????????
— Paul Usher (@Paul_Usher1) July 1, 2019
Good luck Rafa! Wish u all the best! Our loss! The club (sports direct) didn’t deserve u
— Andy Milne (@rockandrollmag) July 1, 2019