Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s agent comments on reported Newcastle interest

Add as preferred source on Google

Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s agent has told the Evening Chronicle that his client would be very interested in taking over from Rafa Benitez at Newcastle United this summer, after leaving his post at Feyenoord.

Benitez, 59, left Newcastle on Monday after owner Mike Ashley failed to agree terms on an extension for the ex-Real Madrid, Liverpool, Inter Milan and Chelsea boss. It has left Newcastle fans frothing at the mouth.

Plenty of managers have since been linked with the vacancy. Anthony Hudson, Michael Carrick, Claudio Ranieri and plenty more are said to be in the running to become the new manager of Newcastle United.

Sky Sports claimed van Bronckhorst had expressed an interest in replacing Benitez, and now his agent, Guido Albers, has backed that report up by claiming the ex-Arsenal, Rangers and Barcelona star would love to manage Newcastle.

“I think the rumours have come a little bit early and no-one from the club has spoken to Gio. But I think every coach in the world would be interested in working in the Premier League,” Albers said.

“And what we would say if a club like Newcastle has an opportunity to work for them then of course he would be interested in doing that. It is an amazing club with an amazing fanbase but it’s up to them who they decide to go for.”

TBR’s view

Van Bronckhorst leaves Feyenoord after four years in charge, in which he helped the Eredivisie side win their first league title in 18 years. He also won the KNVB cup on a shoestring budget.

The 44-year-old knows the Premier League after two years at Arsenal – winning the Premier League in 2001-02 – and a move for the Dutchman would not require Newcastle pay anything in compensation, as he is out of work.

Do not be surprised, then, if van Bronckhorst is unveiled as Benitez’s replacement. Indeed, the Dutchman is an excellent option – although slightly risky – for Newcastle to take on board this summer.