Rafael Benitez claims he never threatened to leave Newcastle over transfers

Atlanta United playmaker Miguel Almiron joined in a club record £20m transfer while Monaco full-back Antonio Barreca also joined on loan until the end of the season, with the option to buy

Bradley West
Friday 01 February 2019 18:10 GMT
Comments
Transfer deadline day January 2019: The five biggest moves

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Rafael Benitez has claimed he never threatened to leave Newcastle, after his club signed two players on transfer deadline day.

Atlanta United playmaker Miguel Almiron joined in a club record £20m transfer while Monaco full-back Antonio Barreca also joined on loan until the end of the season, with the option to buy.

The suggestion comes after Benitez earlier this week appeared to threaten to leave Newcastle following more transfer issues at the club, with no players signed until the final day of the window.

The Spaniard’s contract at St James’ Park runs out in the summer and he has so far refused any attempts at renegotiation, while a clause which previously would have seen him have to pay £6m if he left is no longer applicable.

When asked if he would quit if no new players arrived, the Newcastle boss replied: “We will wait until Thursday and see what happens.”

In today’s press conference ahead of his side’s clash with Tottenham on Saturday, Benitez said: “Some people said: ‘Rafa will not stay unless they sign players.’ No, I will stay balanced and make a decision later, it doesn’t have to be now. We have plenty of time to sit down and talk.

“I have never said I would leave and I’m not saying just because we’ve signed two players I would sign (another contract).

“I’m happier now than I was one week ago. Why? Because we beat Man City and signed two players. We are better equipped now. I have to be happier than I was before.”

Benitez was also forward with his praise for his two new signings in Almiron, who has featured in the MLS team of the year for the past two seasons, and Barreca, signed as an alternative after their attempts to sign Lazio’s Jordan Lukaku failed.

Rafa Benitez says he did not threaten to quit
Rafa Benitez says he did not threaten to quit (Getty)

“Barreca is an offensive full-back who has pace and a good left foot. Almiron is quick and creative. They are two players who give us something different.

“We are signing two players without experience in the Premier league. We know it may take some time.

“We are signing Almiron for not just this month, even if we need him now, he is here for five years. He can play in different positions, as a number 10 and a winger, and he has pace.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in