I still can't believe what Mike Ashley's just done..
I still can't believe what Mike Ashley has just done. I never saw the signing of Joelinton in a million years.
I give credit for the ambition that's been shown to get this one done, but it begs one big question - What must Rafa be thinking?
One thing that seems clear is the fact Mike Ashley will spend money on his terms. If there's a player who's young with high potential and big sell on potential then I'm sure he'll buy - but he does this to benefit HIMSELF, not Newcastle United. By this I mean he sees the future pound signs, not them becoming a hero at the club and guiding us to glory over the next 5 years.
That was probably Rafa's issue. He wanted more than just a few big money buys.
Moving on and, squad wise, another four quality signings and you could conclude that it’s ended up a decent transfer window, although it's key we keep the likes of Longstaff, Hayden, Dubravka and Schar.
Unlike Rafa, it will then be up to Steve Bruce to ensure the team deliver. No excuses!
Contrary to what some clueless pundits claim, us Toon fans aren’t expecting top 6, but it would be so good not to be fighting relegation and to have a decent cup run.
Joelinton's arrival is the first glimmer or optimism I’ve experienced all summer. Optimistic, but realistic. He looks a real talent, but he's being managed by Steve Bruce - not Rafa Benitez.
I saw the sale of Perez to Leicester for £30m as an excellent bit of business, provided it was re-invested, and that’s what we’ve seen with Joelinton. But it can't stop there. We lost Perez AND Rondon, so we MUST sign a few more to avoid standing still.
For too long the team have worked hard, but they’ve been defeated because of that lack of quality in the squad.
Now, providing we get one or two more exciting attackers, we may carry more of a goal threat, but the big test may be how we manage at the back next season - something Rafa got sorted after a decade of woeful defending on Tyneside.
I really hope Steve Bruce - a a Geordie lad and boyhood Toon supporter - can restore our optimism at St James Park.
