‘Score goals – and earn my trust’
Sports Writer RAFA Benitez has challenged Aleksandar Mitrovic to earn his trust by scoring ‘20 to 25 goals’ at Fulham – and secure a longterm future at Newcastle United in the process.
The 23-year-old joined Championship side Fulham on loan on deadline day, with the Serbia striker determined to play regular football ahead of this summer’s World Cup.
Mitrovic had not started a single Premier League game this season for Newcastle, with Benitez preferring Joselu and Dwight Gayle – while Leicester City striker Islam Slimani joined the Magpies on loan on deadline day, too.
Given his lack of gametime, Mitrovic pleaded with Benitez to allow him to leave on loan – clubs from Spain, Belgium, France and England all enquired about his availability throughout January – but the United manager only countenanced the move once it became clear Slimani was signing for United.
It was a bizarre final day of the transfer window for Mitrovic – one which Benitez described as ‘strange’ – with the Serbian striker initially flying to Belgium ahead of a prospective return to Anderlecht, only for that to fall through and for a last-gasp deal to be agreed with Fulham.
“My relationship with him is fine. He’s a nice lad,” Benitez replied when asked if Mitrovic has a long-term future at Newcastle.
“You pick your team. I don’t need to worry about my ego. I have won trophies around the world and I don’t need to be worried about my ego.
“My priority is to win games. You pick your team thinking: ‘This is the best team for me’.
“It was clear that he wanted and needed to play games. Now he has an opportunity. Hopefully, he’ll score 20 or 25 goals.
“We’ll be happy with that. He’ll have more value. He will come here and say: ‘I’m a new player, you have to trust me because I’ve scored 25 goals.’ Fine, no problem.”
Mitrovic was one of six Newcastle players to leave on loan on deadline day as Benitez looked to ship out squad members. Among them were Henri Saivet – joined Sivasspor – Freddie Woodman, who moved to Aberdeen, while Rolando Aarons went to Hellas Verona.