Shay Given shares interesting theory on why Newcastle United signed Miguel Almiron

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Former Newcastle United goalkeeper Shay Given has been discussing the club’s recent move in the transfer market on talkSPORT (06/05/2018; 08:15).

The Magpies finally broke their long-standing transfer record to bring in Miguel Almiron from Atlanta United. As reported by the BBC, the 24-year-old cost Newcastle £20 million, breaking the previous record set when the club signed Michael Owen in 2005.

But Given, who played over 400 times for the club in a 12-year stint at St James Park, suggested the deal might have more to do with keeping Benitez then simply improving the team.

“It seems to be the same old story every season. They don’t get players in. Last week was different. They had a record signing of course and that excited everyone in the city.

“But at the same time is that just a short-term thing for Rafa to maybe sign a new contract? It seems to be there’s always a lot of politics at Newcastle…”

TBR’s View

Undoubtedly, one element of the Almiron signing must have been to placate Benitez. In the Spaniard, the Toon Army have one of the best managers in Europe. His record alone proves that.

But the lack of investment at the club has been as frustrating for the coach as it has been the Newcastle fanbase.

As reported by The Chronicle, Benitez previous ‘postponed indefinitely’ any further contract talks after being ‘unimpressed’ at the summer transfer business on Tyneside.

Benitez, a Champions League winner with Liverpool, is out of contract in May and plunging some money into the transfer market might be enough to convince Benitez to stick around for at least another year.