A source from Newcastle United has now revealed that Rafa Benitez is the Public Investment Fund’s (PIF) ‘first choice’ to become their new manager.
The Lowdown: Everton backlash
Benitez is of course already in the country having taken over as Everton coach in the summer, and even making promising start to life at Goodison Park.
However, the recent poor results at home to both West Ham United and Watford, coupled up with his ties to Liverpool, has seen some supporters of the Merseyside club turn against him.
The Latest: First choice
A Magpies source has revealed to Football Insider that Benitez is now, and always has been, the ‘first choice’ for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium to take over from Steve Bruce.
There is reportedly still a little bit of hope that the Spaniard could be persuaded to leave the Toffees, despite only joining them in the summer to replace Carlo Ancelotti, who left for Real Madrid.
The Verdict: Dream appointment
In the eyes of many members of the Toon Army, it would certainly be a dream appointment to get Benitez back, given that he is idolised by them after bringing them straight back up from the Championship in first place and then finishing in the top half of the Premier League table in their first season back (Transfermarkt).
Lauded as a ‘proven winner’ by majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri when he first became Blues boss, Benitez has a sparkling CV that has seen him win major trophies at a lot of top European clubs.
Nonetheless, it would certainly be a statement by the new owners to lure him out of EFC so quickly and bring him back where he is adored.
In other news, find out who has now been lined up for the NUFC Director of Football (DoF) role here!
