Benitez's comments indicate that Newcastle's Almiron trail has run cold

By Sam Preston

Rafa Benitez watched his Newcastle side get roundly beaten at the home of his first English club, Liverpool, on Boxing Day, before issuing a worrying warning for the club’s supporters.

The Magpies went down 4-0 to the Premier League leaders, thanks to goals from Dejan Lovren, Mo Salah, Xherdan Shaqiri and Fabinho and Benitez was quoted by the Chronicle in the aftermath of the match talking about his January plans.

When asked if Newcastle were close to any immediate business next month, he said: “No.” When asked if that was a concern, his answer was similarly blunt, “yes”.

Newcastle’s top January target has been widely reported as Miguel Almiron from MLS outfit Atlanta, but Benitez’s straightforward comments indicate that the club’s trail of the playmaker has run cold.

(Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

It was always a concern, whether Newcastle could stump up a financial package to lure such a highly-rated player to St James’ Park and Benitez’s comments appear to show that Mike Ashley hasn’t done that quite yet.

The proof was always going to be in the pudding in January for Newcastle; but given that their need for new players has been clear for a while, not having anyone lined up is something of a worry – and indicates Almiron may have had his head turned.