Newcastle Season Preview: More Benitez magic needed under shambolic Ashley
Rafa Benitez will not walk away from Newcastle when all the signs suggest he should. It’s been another frustrating summer for the Spaniard, full of broken promises and shortcomings in the transfer market. Owner Mike Ashley continues to hold back the club and Benitez will have another difficult task on his hands to steer the club clear of the drop.
One to Watch – Ayoze Perez
Benitez’s pursuit of a new goalscorer appears to have ended in Yoshinori Muto, who scored 20 goals in 66 league appearances over three seasons for Bundesliga side Mainz. The Japan international cost in the region of £9m and doesn’t appear to have what it takes to completely satisfy Benitez’s needs. With that in mind, more will be needed from Ayoze Perez, who finished last season strongly. It’s debatable whether Perez is a player Benitez would ideally like to play, but he played a direct hand in more league goals than any other Newcastle player last term (13).
Best Signing – Fabian Schar
Newcastle were always going to strengthen the heart of their defence but the signing of Fabian Schar was timed to perfection. The Magpies reportedly spent £3m to land the 26-year-old and he will now be fast-tracked straight into the starting XI after Florian Lejeune was ruled out for most of the season just days after Schar arrived at the club. The Switzerland international made more clearances per game (5.6) than any other Deportivo player last season, while also contributing two goals and two assists at the other end of the pitch. It’s imperative he settles quickly.
The Swiss international joins the club from @RCDeportivo and has signed an initial three-year contract.
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) July 26, 2018
Read more: https://t.co/xIIRhaCgJm #NUFC pic.twitter.com/1ebdKpSyFE
Area of Weakness
Newcastle arguably have one of the weakest squads in the Premier League. They haven’t strengthened sufficiently since returning to England’s top-flight and owner Mike Ashley must take all of the blame. Benitez did well just to keep the Magpies in the Premier League last season but Ashley is playing a dangerous game by refusing to invest like their rivals. Newcastle haven’t broken their transfer record since signing Michael Owen in a £20m deal back in 2005, which tells you everything about the ambition of the club, or lack of.
Prediction / Best Bet
It would be a crying shame if Newcastle were relegated, particularly for their immensely loyal support. Despite being an absolutely shambles off the field, their supporters continue to turn out in their droves and pack out St. James’ Park every other week. However, they are in danger of being left behind by their rivals and it will require more Benitez magic for them to beat the drop. Odds of 5.5 with Unibet for Newcastle to be relegated should not be overlooked ahead of the new season.
