After last summer’s total clear-out, this close season will be less clear-cut for Rafa Benitez and Newcastle.
United either sold or loaned out three of their four longest serving players in a bid to fumigate the dressing room – and start again under a new manager determined to create a more optimistic environment.
That meant releasing Steven Taylor and a clutch of other players whose contracts were nearing an end. But United also sold Fabricio Coloccini, loaned out Tim Krul and allowed Papiss Cisse to move to China.
In addition to that, United paved the way for Moussa Sissoko, Georginio Wijnaldum and Daryl Janmaat to leave Newcastle in one of the largest changes in personnel in recent St James’ Park history.
This summer, there are less decisions to be taken by Benitez – with just three first-teamers out of contract. And one of them, Cheick Tiote, may yet depart with the transfer window in the United Arab Emirates still open and Newcastle prepared to let him leave if the offer is right.
Benitez said last week: “For his age and with him being in the last year of his contract, someone may come in with a good offer which would be fine.
“We are open to helping him, but at the same time we’re open to playing him. So I said to him ‘If you have to play, you will remind everyone you are still out there’. If you don’t play, you are around so you are helping the team.”
Vurnon Anita
The forgotten man of St James’ Park? Not for Benitez, who brought Anita straight back into the side despite DeAndre Yedlin performing well in his absence.
Anita’s time at Newcastle has not always been smooth sailing. Alan Pardew was not particularly sold on a player signed by Graham Carr and brought to United partly because of his versatility.
But Benitez really seems to trust him – partly because he is disciplined enough to play the right-back role as the United manager wants it to be played.
As of yet, his contract is up in the summer so he can begin negotiations with other clubs in January. But there have been whispers that an extension may be in the offing if he continues to deliver consistent performances.
Would you give Vurnon Anita a new deal?