His coach is wanted all over the world. But the way things are heading, Mike Ashley is almost certain to lose Rafa Benitez next summer. And the stubborn Newcastle owner will only have himself to blame.
If Ashley needed any reminder of the calibre of his in-demand boss, it came last month when Spain asked to borrow him to take charge of their World Cup campaign. The Spanish FA then approached Benitez about their permanent position, while there have been offers from other overseas clubs.
For now, Rafa has stayed loyal to Newcastle and barring a huge shock, will be in the dugout come the Premier League opener against Spurs on August 11. But that looks set to be the beginning of a long goodbye.
With only a year left on his contract, there is no way Benitez will sign a new deal under this regime’s restrictions.Rafa guided the Toon to tenth in their first season back in the Premier League yet yesterday revealed at their pre-season training camp in Ireland, he has NO money to spend.
There is a stand-off at St James’ Park as billionaire Ashley is refusing to release funds until Benitez commits his future to the club.
But the 58-year-old Spaniard will not extend his stay unless he sees evidence of ambition.