10 La Liga players Rafa Benitez could look to sign from Spain this summer
Newcastle United are pushing for transfer breakthrough's this summer but, up to this point, we've had limited success, and it has recently been reported in The Chronicle that Benitez could to turn to Spain in search of signings.
Benitez will have extensive knowledge and contacts in La Liga, with the 57-year-old having spent the majority of his 20-year managerial career in his homeland, managing the likes of Valencia and Real Madrid.
With this in mind, here's 10 players we believe Rafa could look to sign from La Liga this summer:
1. Willian Jose
The 6ft 1′ Brazilian bagged 14 goals and 4 assists for Real Sociedad in La Liga last season and is also a good age at 25. The Chronicle have confirmed recently that he is a player Rafa Benitez is 'keeping tabs' on this summer.
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2. Jonny Castro
Newcastle are in the market for a left-back this summer and Celta Vigo's 'Jonny' could be the ideal signing. The 23-year-old Spanish U-21 International impressed at this summer's U-21 European Championships and can operate at left or right-back. Newcastle were linked with £5m bid for the Spaniard last summer, but he is likely to cost in excess of that this time around.
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3. Gabriel Pires
The Leganes midfielder that was heavily linked with a move to Tyneside in January and earlier this summer. Pires is an attacking midfielder and is said to have been Leganes’ stand out players this season, scoring 5 goals and playing a key role in their survival in La Liga.
CLICK HERE to see the next La Liga player Rafa could bring to NUFC this summer
4. Cedric Bakambu
Like Willian Jose, Bakambu is another striker Benitez is believed to be eyeing up in Spain. The Congolese forward has shone in La Liga, scoring 34 goals in two seasons at Villareal. He possess a blend of speed and strength that lends itself to English football, but he wouldn’t come cheap, with West Ham seeing a £21.7m bid rejected for him earlier this summer.
CLICK HERE to see the next La Liga player Rafa could bring to NUFC this summer
5. Santi Mina
The versatile attacker, who can play anywhere across the front 3, has caught the eye for Valencia last season, however has often had to settle for a place on the bench as an impact sub. Valencia are believed to be hard up at present and could be tempted to cash in if we made a reasonable offer for the highly-rated 21 year-old.
CLICK HERE to see the next La Liga player Rafa could bring to NUFC this summer
6. Kevin Gameiro
An ambitious suggestion but a player Newcastle have been heavily linked with in the past and one who would be worth splashing the cash for this summer. The Frenchman is a natural goalscorer but has been in and out the Atletico Madrid team and could be on the look out for a move this summer.
CLICK HERE to see the next La Liga player Rafa could bring to NUFC this summer
7. Carlos Vela
The 28-year-old forward didn't quite hit the heights during his stint in England with Arsenal and West Brom, but has bagged 72 goals and 41 assists in 230 games for Real Sociedad, excelling in his new role as the right-sided forward in a three pronged attack. His attacking versatility, Premier League experience and goal threat could be an attractive proposition to Benitez.
CLICK HERE to see the next La Liga player Rafa could bring to NUFC this summer
8. Kiko Casilla
Benitez's number one target Pepe Reina looks set to sign a new deal with Napoli and the Real Madrid number two Kiko Casilla has emerged as a player he is considering. Rafa signed the 30-year-old Spaniard at Real Madrid in the summer of 2015 and could look to bring him to Tyneside this summer.
CLICK HERE to see the next La Liga player Rafa could bring to NUFC this summer
9. Aymen Abdennour
Newcastle may have signed a centre-back in Florian Lejeune already this summer, but Valencia's Aymen Abdennour is a long-standing target at NUFC and could be looked at with Grant Hanley and Chancel Mbemba facing potential summer exits.
CLICK HERE to see the final La Liga player Rafa could bring to NUFC this summer
10. Alfred N'Diaye
The Senegalese midfielder impressed during a loan spell at Marco Silva's Hull City last season and has since returned to Villareal. Benitez is believed to be on the look out for a defensive midfielder this summer and the 6ft 2' powerhouse could be an option to add presence to the United midfield.
