Our answers to the big United questions
IT is never quiet at Newcastle United.
If it is not talk of a takeover off the field, then there are key decisions to be made on the pitch – namely the future of Magpies’ manager Rafa Benitez.
How key will the academy revamp and the introduction of a ‘loan manager’ – as revealed by ChronicleLive yesterday – be in keeping Benitez at the club?
Those issues were addressed in our latest NUFC Q&A alongside the futures of Rolando Aarons, Salomon Rondon and Mo Diame.
Here is the full transcript of everything which was discussed.
Q1: Miguel Almiron signed for Newcastle in January – did you not report the deal was off?
LR: That is actually not true. What we said was the deal was in danger of collapsing as Newcastle refused to raise their offer.
We reported his agent had actually flown to Italy which was accurate.
This was on the back of Almiron’s holding talks with Napoli before demands were dropped and he signed for Newcastle.
Of course, we are talking about a deal which had many twists and turns.
The actual discussion for the deal lasted around eight or nine weeks and United left the room twice as demands were deemed high - not least a £4m agent fee that was requested at one stage.
It was never a straightforward deal.
You could go back to the Tino Asprilla deal as an example of a transfer which looked in danger at one stage and ended up coming off.
Q2: Are the changes at the academy a sign Newcastle are making the changes Rafa Benitez wants to see before committing to a new deal?
LR: It is a sign they are prepared to listen to what Benitez wants, for sure.
One of the key things he wanted sorting out was a “loan manager” to bring Newcastle into line with top clubs in Spain, Italy and Germany.
A revamp at the Academy has started now so we can consider ourselves a step closer to Benitez staying.
Although there is still a long way to go and other things which need to happen before we see him put pen to paper.
Q3: If the reports of a loan manager are true, would that suggest the club will significantly invest in European talent to add to the academy?
LR: There will be implications on young players coming in due to Brexit.
The Academy changes will see more focus on local players coming in on that score.
The loan manager will come in and ensure the right clubs are picked for the right players.
Elias Sorensen’s stint at Blackpool is a great example of that, not to mention Dan Barlaser last season at Crewe.
The loan manager will ensure a better understanding is in place before players are sent out on loan,
Q4: Will Mo Diame sign a contract extension?
LR: As it stands, I am not getting that feeling.
It is actually not a case of him signing the one-year extension which is one the table.
It will be triggered automatically if he makes what we believe are three more starts.
Diame wants two more years but Newcastle don’t want to give him that.
With eight games left, we will soon know whether Diame is staying here.
Q5: What does Rolando Aarons’ current form on loan in the championship mean for him and the club? Will it mean a chance to get back into the Newcastle squad next season or will Newcastle look to use it as a chance to increase his price in a potential sale?
LR: I think you are closer with the second question.
Rolando Aarons has not played well consistently for Newcastle for a long time due to injuries and form.
If he does well with Sheffield Wednesday they will be in the box seat to sign him permanently.
Q6: Will Antonio Barreca be given a start in the near future?
LR: Barreca has not impressed since coming in from Monaco on loan.
Paul Dummett has been injured but Barreca has not stepped up.
The fact Matt Ritchie has played out of position ahead of him tells you everything you need to know.
Q7: How likely is it Salomon Rondon will stay at the club?
LR: The decision to sign Rondon comes at a time when Mike Ashley is considering scrapping signing players who are in the latter years of their career.
This will be a political situation for Rafa Benitez as he tries to argue football logic should come ahead of business logic.
It will only be likely if Newcastle decide to make what would be an exception to their own complex blueprint.