10 free agents Rafa Benitez could bring to NUFC this summer
Following the signing of Florian Lejeune this week, Newcastle’s recruitment drive could be about to finally kick into gear.
With Rafa Benitez said to be looking for between 7-12 new players in a bid to beef up the NUFC squad ahead of our return to the Premier League, here's 10 current free agents he may look to sign this summer:
1. Gael Clichy
Rafa Benitez is on the look-out for a left-back this summer & the experienced frenchman is available following his release from Manchester City this summer. He may be 31, but the former Arsenal defender managed 39 appearances for Pep Guardiola last season, suggesting he is still fit and able.
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2. Victor Valdes
The former Barcelona stopper helped Middlesbrough to 11 clean sheets last season and their relegation activated a clause in his contract, allowing him to leave for free. With Newcastle facing a battle to sign Napoli’s Pepe Reina, Victor Valdes could be an option for Rafa to consider in his search for a new no.1?
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3. Jesus Navas
The Spanish International winger is another whose been axed by Manchester City this summer. He failed to hit the heights at the Etihad since his £15m move from Sevilla in 2013, but he will be a player fellow Spaniard Rafa Benitez will be well aware of.
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4. Dimitar Berbatov
The classy Bulgarian has admitted this summer that he is targeting a return to the Premier League. He may be 36 and coming to the end of his career, but the former Manchester United star appears to have kept himself in tip-top condition. His experience and craft could be a valuable addition to the squad, as well as being a player several youngsters at the club would learn from.
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5. Bacary Sagna
Another player released by Manchester City this summer, but a player who remains capable of doing a good job in the Premier League. DeAndre Yedlin has all the traits of a capable modern day full-back, but the signing of Sagna to compete with Yedlin would keep the American on his toes, adding some much needed experience to our squad.
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6. Rachid Ghezzal
The former Lyon winger came to the end of his contract in France this summer and has recently been linked with moves to Everton and West Ham. With Newcastle crying out for some creativity and flair this summer, the talented 24-year-old could be worth a look.
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7. Martin Caceres
The former Juventus and Barcelona defender has left Southampton after failing to settle on the South-Coast and is said to be attracting interest from Leicester and Watford. He has had his injury problems of late, but the versatile South-American is capable of playing anywhere across the back four and could be seen as a worthwhile addition to the squad by Benitez.
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8. Mathieu Flamini
Not the flashy signing we are all craving, but one that could be considered. After showing interest in the likes of Lucas Leiva, Benitez is clearly keen on adding an experienced defensive midfielder to our ranks this summer and Flamini's arrival would provide exactly that.
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9. Chico Flores
The former Swansea centre-back impressed during his two-year spell in the Premier League before leaving to link up with former Swansea manager Michael Laudrup in shock move to Qatar. The 30-year old is believed to be keen on a return to England and could be considered. Newcastle may have signed Lejeune, but are believed to want another cenre-back this summer, with Hanley and Mbemba likely to be sold.
CLICK HERE to see the next free agent NUFC could sign this summer..
10. Guilermo Ochoa
Benitez is clearly in the market for a an experienced goalkeeper this summer and the ball playing Mexican number one could be considered. Ochoa was voted player of the season during his loan spell for La Liga side Granada last season, but has seen his contract expire with parent club Malaga this summer. The 31-year-old is remembered from being one of the top performing keepers in the 2014 World Cup and could be looked at if Benitez fails to secure his top goalkeeping targets.
