Scouting For Rafael Benitez – 2 Essential Ins And Outs That Should Happen At Newcastle In The Summer

Two Ins And Two Outs That Must Happen At Newcastle United In The Summer

Unlike at some promoted clubs, an awful lot will be expected of Newcastle United when they replace bitter rivals Sunderland in the Premier League next season.

Newcastle’s support is legendary; crowds of 52,000 have been seen regularly in the Championship at home this season with huge and noisy away support following them all around the country too. That support is not as blind as some think. The fans would want something back for showing their loyalty year after year.

Owner Mike Ashley will be expected to spend money in the summer and Rafa Benitez has expressed his desire to build a legacy by recreating the achievements he managed at Liverpool. Here are two ins and outs that would serve crucial to the plan:

OUT:

Rob Elliot

Although popular with a lot of fans and certainly capable between the sticks, it appears like his time is up. Because of various injuries, Elliot has managed 36 league appearances for Newcastle in 5 years and patience is wearing thin now.

Karl Darlow deserves the chance to prove he can be no.1 in the Premier League. Matz Sels is 5 years younger and was signed by Benitez last year. So it is unlikely that he may leave. Freddie Woodman is coming back from Kilmarnock this summer with a view to a first team breakthrough. So all in all, there is no room for Elliot now.

Yoan Gouffran

The Gouff has had a renaissance this season under Rafa Benitez but in truth, has rather run out of steam. He has been plying his trade at a lower level this season and this accounts for his improvement in front of goal.

Gouffran managed just 11 goals in 3½ Premier League seasons and is not getting any better at 30-years of age. With Rolando Aarons pushing to play on the left and the likes of Gylfi Sigurdsson linked with a move, the Frenchman may need to move on to create room in the squad.

IN:

Attacking Midfielder

There has been a shocking overreliance on Jonjo Shelvey to get Newcastle moving forward this season. In a system where the full-backs will not be over generous going down the flanks, and with at least one defensive midfield player in the line-up, the responsibility keeps falling to Shelvey every time.

His range of passing has been outstanding and he’s clearly a Premier League player, but Newcastle cannot rely on him alone. So players of the calibre of Fulham’s Tom Cairney being linked with the club is welcome news indeed.

Striker

Dwight Gayle has been outstanding this season with 22 goals in the league. However, his recurring injury problems are a threat to his longevity as a no.9 in the top division. Whether Rafa truly sees him as a first choice up front in a Premier League team is open to doubts.

Murphy and Mitrovic are behind Gayle in the pecking order and Adam Armstrong will most likely be sold in the summer. So it’s crucial that at least one striker is brought in.