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Guillem Balague has discussed Rafa Benitez’s future on his personal YouTube account and suggested that the current Dalian Yifang manager could return to replace Steve Bruce at Newcastle – but also considered Everton and Liverpool.
Champions League winner Benitez left Newcastle last summer to join Chinese Super League side Dalian Yifang, but is already being linked with a return to the Premier League. An impending takeover at Newcastle could see him replace Steve Bruce.
Indeed, ESPN claim Newcastle have shortlisted four managers that they could consider to take over from Bruce – in the form of Mauricio Pochettino, Max Allegri, Dortmund gaffer Lucien Favre and indeed, Toon icon Benitez.
Balague, who is renowned as a Spanish football expert and works for both Sky Sports and BBC, claimed that Benitez could well be on his way back to St. James’ Park – but also considered a return to Liverpool, and a strange move to Everton.
“Newcastle? Why not, again, under new stewardship. But I believe, right now, he hasn’t heard anything from Newcastle. That possibility doesn’t seem to be imminent, but why not? They love him there and he loves them.”
TBR’s view – Benitez has got to be considered by Newcastle
Although Bruce has done a stunning job as manager of a club in difficult circumstances – working under Mike Ashley and with the majority of the fanbase against his appointment, due to Benitez’s exit.
He deserves credit, and time. But if Benitez is open to a return to Tyneside under the new owners and has money to spend, then surely the former Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Napoli manager will be on his way back to the north east.
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